MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 11, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:03
A.M., Tuesday, June 11, 2013, on the Plaza Level of the Government Center,
Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn
Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson were Councilors R. Gary Allen Mike
Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis
were also present. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table
at 9:10 a.m. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:19
a.m.
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***-------------------------------------ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was
absent.
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***-------------------------------------INVOCATION: Led by Amit Bhatt of the
Columbus Indian Temple.
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PLEDGE: Led by Fourth Street Day Care Center.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
City Attorney Fay said Title 48 of the Georgia Code requires three public
hearings ever year on the Taxpayers? Bill of Rights Statute. He said this is
based on the previous year?s millage rate and is required with the rollback
rate for the previous year minus the millage equivalent of net asset value
added by reassessment; would cause a greater rate than the previous year. He
said the Finance Director is present if there are any questions. He said if
there is anyone in the audience who wants to be heard, they could be heard at
this time.
Prior to Mr. Billy Watson, who indicated that he wanted to be heard came
forward, Director of Finance Pam Hodge came forward and pointed out that this
hearing is required by law and said it is a notice to taxpayers as a whole, not
individually that their taxes will go up. She said it is saying that the City
expects to receive more in property tax revenue in FY-14 as opposed to FY-13
because of the increase in the digest and not because there is a change in the
millage rate. She said if you are under the property tax freeze, there is no
adjustment on your taxes. She said the ad that is placed in the newspaper deals
only with the maintenance and operation millage, not the debt service millage.
She said because the total millage remains the same, the reduction was in the
debt service millage which was offset on the maintenance and operation millage.
She said the total millage remains the same.
Ms. Hodge said the millage rate in total does not change, but there was a
change in the distribution between maintenance and operation and debt service.
She said this is a notice of property tax increase as taxpayers in total not
individually.
Mr. Billy Watson, 5552 Perry Avenue said he is President of the Retired
City
Employees Association. He said he has been before the Council many tines before
to speak for people who he thought had been mistreated or done wrong, but said
he
never though that he would be here today speaking for a group of seniors that
he
believes is one of the worst cases of mistreatment that he has ever been
involved
in.
He said about three weeks ago, he received a telephone call from the
secretary
of the City Manager notifying him that they would no longer pay postage for the
Retirees? Association to send out their letters that we use to keep retirees up
to date
on things that concerns them and the dates and things that will be discussed at
our
next meeting. He said many of their retirees are not able to attend their
meetings.
He said he did not recall a call from the City Manager or any of his
assistants.
He said they had a plan to reduce the postage, which he understands was $2300
last year to $900 this year, but said they never had an opportunity to present
this
matter.
Mr. Watson said they are not part of the City Manager?s Department and
said if
the City Manager used this money and reduced it as part of the 1.5 percent that
the
Mayor asked him to do, he don?t see how he can use that money because we are
not in his department. He said it is his understanding that when this was put
in the
City Manager?s budget that there was money put in there for us. He said they
believe what has happened is wrong and hope that the Council will correct this.
He said the City has a memorial service each year for the family and
friends of
each retiree that has passed away the previous year. He said they are honored
for
their service and what they have contributed to this City. He said there is
also a
monument with a flag expressing the same outside the Government Center for
families and friends to see. He said they believe that out of a $264 million
budget
that there should be room for $900 for the retirees. He said they are asking
the
Council to do what they believe is right by restoring this $900 back to the
retirees
and placing it somewhere else other than in the City Manager?s budget.
City Attorney Fay said that really goes to the budget ordinance, which is
on first
reading and will be discussed a little later in the meeting this morning; but
said the
Council has heard the request and they can certainly take it under
advisement.
City Manager Hugley said he was just conferring with the staff about the
matter and said it is something that he can certainly look further into the
matter,
but said as he understands it initially our Human Resources Department was
supporting the retirees in what they mailed out to members within the
retirement
plan; their postage. He said we send information to them, which is not an
issue, but
what they send to them within their group (Retirees? Association), and it was
taken out of the Human Resources budget because they had to cut funding a
couple of years ago for those retirees. He said it is his understanding that
his
department picked up that postage in supporting them in sending
correspondences,
newsletters or whatever they send out to members within the group. He said
with
this 1.5 percent cut, it was removed from the City Manager?s budget.
He said we send correspondence to them and said he wants it to be clear
that it
is not what we send out to them, but it is within their own group, what they
send
out to their group. He said they have supported it in the past, but with the
1.5
percent cut, we were no longer able. He said we had to find ways to reduce our
budget and that is what?s at question today.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Mr. Watson to allow her to get with the City
Manager and see what they can work out. She said $2300 seems like a lot for the
group, but said you have indicated that you all are working to get it down to
$900,
this sounds like what it should be.
Mr. Watson said he has only been the President for five months and said he
has
had to deal with several different things, but said we have been able to reduce
it
from $2,300 to $900. He said they are also looking at other things, and maybe
we
can even reduce it further.
Mayor Tomlinson said there are other affiliated groups like FOP and she
don?t
believe we subsidize their postage, so we would have to be consistent. She said
they will get with Finance and the City Manager to see what we do with
affiliated
organizations; and how we support them, if at all and make sure we have equity,
so we are treating all organizations the same and fairly. She said she we will
work
on it, to see if there is some way you can go forward; however, we are in a
tight
budget year and she appreciates you bringing it to our attention.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be
heard
on the Taxpayers? Bill of Rights Hearing, but there was no one else who
indicated
that they wanted to be heard. He said there will be two additional Public
Hearings,
this will be held at 6:00 p.m. today and June 18, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in the
Council
Chambers at the Government Center. He said that concludes this public hearing.
Following up on Mr. Watson?s request, Councilor Henderson said he would
like
to thank the Mayor for taking a look to see if we can find $900 to help the
retirees
out, but just one caution; to try to equate that with other groups within the
City is
going to be difficult, because for example, the FOP, which is active personnel
who
are already receiving many of the correspondences that are distributed
regarding
pension, pay plan and health insurance; and the ones who are retired are
getting
this information from the Retirees? Association. He said he would just caution
that these are people who are encompassed, people who may be a part of these
other organizations and who have worked for the City.
He said he is not talking about getting information from the City, but
from their
organization. He said they do other research and distribute information among
their
group, which includes all retirees. He said he thinks that there is a little
bit of
differentiation between the retirees who work for the city and affinity groups
that
are in existence throughout the government.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner said most companies have retirement organizations
when you retire, but said those organizations are self- serving. She said the
companies don?t pay for any of the postage or anything else for those groups.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA
Prior to calling any of the zoning petitions up City Attorney Fay pointed
out
that Georgia Code requires any person wanting to speak for or against that
has made a contribution to the campaign for the Mayor or Councilor for $250.00
or
greater must give notice and disclose that fact. He said disclosure should be
made
on the record, if it has not already been done.
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED:_ _____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 839 Veterans Parkway, 308 9th
Street, 842 and 844 3rd Avenue from UPT (Uptown)/HIST (Historic) to GC (General
Commercial) Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is for an Auto/Truck
Minor Repair (Sale of Automotive Enhancements).
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Warren Mason, the petitioner came forward and pointed out that he is
representing Mr. Jason Kamas. He said this is an existing facility and that he
is purposing to relocate his business from 13th Street to this new location. He
said there are multiple zonings on the parcel now and said this is a measure to
clean up the zoning for that existing facility.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if we have heard anything from Uptown
Columbus or Historic Columbus.
Mr. Mason said there was a representative from Historic Columbus at the
Planning Advisory Commission meeting.
Mr. Will Johnson said that Mr. Sia Etemadi, with the Historic Preservation
Society was present at the Planning Advisory Commission and he did oppose the
parcels being rezoned, but said the Planning Advisory Commission did approve
it.
No one appeared to speak in opposition to this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED AND AMENDED BY THE
COUNCIL AFTER MUCH
DISCUSSION:
_____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 8121 Old Pope Lane and
Easement from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) to SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is Single Family Homes.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak in
opposition to this proposed rezoning ordinance, but there were none.
Councilor Allen said just to let the Council know the neighbors that
currently live in the Sable Oaks Subdivision, they had a couple of meetings
with Mr. Erickson to discuss some concerns that they had. He said one of the
things that they agreed to, and will ask the Council to amend the ordinance is
that all the lots will be subject to a 100-foot frontage width. He said he will
need the City Attorney to help him to word the amendment correctly.
Councilor Allen said they would like to identify the lots by Lot Number as
we did in the existing ordinance. He said on the property requested by the
Odom?s to be rezoned, it would be Block ?F?, 1 through 9 and Block ?D?, 45
through 53.
City Attorney Fay then asked Councilor Allen if he wanted 100 foot street
frontage requirements to those lots at the building line; to which he then said
we will need that in the form of a motion. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded
by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 10274 Sable Oaks Drive
and Residential 2)/RE1 (Residential Estate 1) with conditions to SFR2 (Single
Family 10273 Greenfield Drive from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) with
amended conditions Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is Single
Family Homes.
City Attorney Fay pointed out the petitioner, Mr. Dave Erickson was
present in the Council Chambers.
At the request of Councilor Henderson, City Attorney Fay outlined the
proposed new amended conditions that are included in the ordinance.
Councilor Allen said he would like to offer an amendment to the ordinance
to require those lots identified by City Attorney Fay in the proposed new
conditions is required to have 100 foot street frontage width at the building
line also. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
Mr. David Erickson, President for Tiger Creek Development then came
forward and expressed his opposition to the proposed amendment to the
ordinance. He said he is disappointed as he has gone to great lengths to have
conversations with the neighborhood to let them know exactly what we are doing.
He said they asked for an amendment from their original suggestion and they
made that small adjustment. He said they had a second
meeting with the neighborhood; which there were approximately 30 individuals in
attendance at that meeting and at the end of that meeting, he specifically
asked if there were any opposition, or endorsement and said he had no specific
opposition from any of the neighborhood. He said he showed them the plat that
he is showing you now and there was no opposition.
He said if the Council would like to withdraw the amendment and adopt this
plat, consistent with what he believes is in the staff report he would be
completely in support of that. He said he is in opposition and object to the
amendment that has been proposed.
Several members of the Council expressed their views regarding this
matter, after which Mr. Will Johnson of the Planning Department responded to
several questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council.
Councilor Allen went into some details in explaining some of the comments
that were made at the meeting with the neighbors where Mr. Erickson was not in
attendance.
He said he would be willing to give Mr. Erickson an allowance on a 90-foot
frontage on certain lots and then asked Mr. Johnson,, which ones he thinks we
should identify in addition to Lot 52. Mr. Johnson said Lot 52, 53, 55.
Councilor Allen said he would be willing to amend his motion to allow 52,
54 & 55 to have the 90-foot frontage.
Mr. Johnson said Mr. Erickson has said that during their review with a
scaled plat, he is saying that they are all 90-feet, but said he has not
verified that.
Councilor Allen said he intends to amend this plat to the ordinance and
said if this is not the plat that he is not going to use, then we need to
probably delay this matter. Mr. Johnson said this is the preliminary plat, but
he doesn?t have a 24 x 36 scale of this to verify. He said this is a reduced
plat so the scale is not going to match. He said he doesn?t have a true 24 x 36
preliminary plat to verify the lot widths at this time.
After continued discussion on this matter, Councilor Allen said he would
like to leave the motion as it is on the floor and then asked for a delay until
we can get the specifics of what Mr. Erickson is talking about.
City Attorney Fay then asked Councilor Allen if he wants to leave the
motion as if the three lots or all five lots shall have minimum 90-foot
frontage.
Mayor Tomlinson said the motion that is on the floor is for 100-foot lots.
She said that would have to be withdrawn and something else would have to be
restated or we are going forward with the 100 foot lot.
Councilor Allen said he made a motion to exempt 52, 54, & 55 to allow
90-foot frontage. He said he thinks that Mr. Johnson said we should make it
49, 52, 54 & 55 to make them 90-foot at the building line. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh for discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked, why are we excluding Lot 53? Councilor
Allen said because it is already 95 feet.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said why the motion couldn?t be that those five
lots have a minimum lot width of 90 feet. City Attorney Fay said that would
cover everything. He said the only reason is for people looking at the title
and conditions down the road, if it?s just a clear line that those five lots
shall have a minimum frontage; then there won?t be any questions about which
lot.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Councilor Allen if he wanted to amend the
motion; however, Councilor Allen said we still need to wait for an official
plat from the Planning Department.
City Attorney Fay said all the lots in the subdivision have to have a
100-foot frontage at the building line except these five lots will have to have
a minimum of 90-feet at the building line.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to allow Lots 49, 52, 53, 54 & 55 to
have a 90-foot frontage at the building line.
City Attorney Fay said we will add a new condition as a result of this
amendment and we will also refer to the plat by Hobbs Smith and require a 100
feet frontage at the building line on all lots except these five, which will
have a minimum 90-feet street frontage at the building line.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion, as stated above,
which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this matter, with Mr.
Erickson responding to further questions of members of the Council, this matter
was finally concluded.
City Attorney Fay said we will have the new condition, number 6 on the
table as part of the ordinance next Tuesday for a vote at 9:00 a.m. Councilor
Allen then asked if we need to amend the plat as part of the ordinance. City
Attorney Fay said the way he is going to word the condition, with the 100 feet
and the 90-feet on the five lots, we are going to say as said lots are depicted
on a plat by Hobbs Smith, dated April 15, 2013, this plat is hereby
incorporated by reference.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_____________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1646 and 1648 Manchester
Expressway from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) Zoning
District. The purpose of the rezoning is to for a pawn shop.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Whitten, the petitioner was present, but she did not make a
presentation as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING WITH MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL EXPRESSING
THEIRVIEWS REGARDING THE BUDGET: _______ ___________________
An Ordinance ? Adopting a budget for the Fiscal Year 2014 beginning July
1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each
budget.
City Attorney Fay stated that this is a public hearing and then asked if
there was anyone who wanted to be heard on this ordinance, they could be heard
at this time.
There was no one who came forward to speak to this ordinance; however,
there were several questions and comments made by members of the Council, as
well as Mayor Tomlinson regarding this year?s budget process. Director of
Finance Pam Hodge responded to those questions and concerns of members of the
Council.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMTITED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:_______________________________________ __
An Ordinance ? Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year 2014
beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
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An Ordinance ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus
Code Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the monthly residential
garbage fee and updating the guidelines for an offset to the residential rate
for low-income households; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _________________________________________________
A Resolution (194-13) ? Authorizing 911 charges of $1.50 per billable
telephone per month, E911 charges of $1.00 per month and prepaid wireless 911
charges of $0.75 per month, all as authorized by O.C.G.A. Sections 46-5-133
through 46-5-134.2 .
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
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MID-YEAR BUDGET:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we talked about mid-year budget and said
instead of waiting until mid-year budget time that we look at this budget and
items that we wanted to fund, but could not fund, the possibility of having
some kind of list so that when mid-year budget does come up, we will have a
carry over list, like a ?B? list.
Mayor Tomlinson said because of the severity of the budget issues, we are
going to have to have Work Sessions every month; therefore, she has asked the
City Manager to look at the calendar and get some dates to you all and see what
works with everyone?s schedule, to talk about some of the administrative issues
and to talk about some of the projects that were approved, but are now just
coming on line and the cost related to those, as well as going through some of
the more complex budgets to learn them and where there might be some places to
cut as they reorganize and re-tool for this new era.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would hope that when we do have the
Work Sessions that we only do budget issues and not cloud the agenda with other
things.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MS. GIGI ROBINSON, RE: CITY-WIDE FREE HIV TESTING ON JUNE 20,
2013:______________________________________________
Ms. Gigi Robinson, with New Horizons Community Service Board appeared and
said that she is here to invite the community and the Mayor & Council to attend
a City-Wide free HIV testing on June 20, 2013 that will be held at the Willow
Glenn Apartment Complex located at 2971 Buena Vista Road, from
9:00 ? 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Arlene Shaw, Director of PATH was also present with Ms. Robinson and
pointed out that if there is anyone there who is homeless, their organization
will be there to assist them with resources; to try to find them temporary
housing or permanent housing.
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MS. BELVA DORSEY, REPESENTING ENRICHMENT SERVICES PROGRAM, INC., RE:
GEORGIA?S NEW EXPUNGEMENT LAW:_______
Ms. Belva Dorsey, representing Enrichment Services Program, Inc., came
forward and provided some information to the Mayor & Council regarding
Georgia?s new Expungement Law. She also pointed out that there will be a
workshop on this matter, which will be held at the Columbus Public Library on
June 25th from 1:00 ? 3:00 p.m.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
____________
A Resolution (195-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept the 2013 Fair Housing Organization Initiative Grant for
$150,000. Fair Housing Organization Initiative is a highly competitive grant
that awards up to $325,000 to eligible applicants to produce fair housing for
communities. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT
FOR THE MEETING: _________________
A Resolution (196-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved, accept a grant for $45,000 or as otherwise awarded from the
Georgia Department of Human Services with no local match.
A Resolution (197-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved, accept funds from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for
the operation of the Muscogee County Juvenile Court. The grant period is from
July 22, 2013 to June 30, 2014
A Resolution (198-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Vineyard
Lane Cul-de-sac located in Arbor Pointe - AKA Baker Village. The Department of
Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the acceptance.
A Resolution (199-13) ? Authorizing the acquisition of Parcel 32, 6316
Moon Road for the Moon Road Reconstruction Project from Wilbur Drive to
Whittlesey Blvd totaling 0.020 +/- acres of Right of Way, 0.004 acres+/- of
Temporary Easement plus a Driveway Easement for County Road and/or Municipal
Street purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the
City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said land under the
authority of the official code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1 et.seq for
the referenced Project.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON,
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT: ___ _____
A Resolution (200-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1) John
Deere (MY2013) 5045E Open Operator Station Utility Tractor with 553 Standard
Loader and 485 Backhoe, from SunSouth, LLC (Columbus, GA), in the amount of
$30,895.74, by cooperative purchase via National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA)
Contract #031711-DAC.
The utility tractor with loader and backhoe will be used by Public Works
Cemetery Division to prepare burial plots. This unit is a replacement for
equipment declared surplus under the Vehicle Replacement Program (VRP) due to
high mileage, age, mechanical and safety issues, and high operation cost.
The purchase will be accomplished by cooperative purchase via Request for
Proposal (RFP) Contract #031711-DAC, initiated by the National Joint Powers
Alliance (NJPA), whereby John Deere, was one of the successful vendors
contracted to provide Ag Tractors and Implements. The contract, which
commenced May 17, 2011, is good through May 17, 2015. The National Joint
Powers Alliance is a Service Cooperative created by Minnesota Statute 123A.21.
This statute was created in 1978 and revised in 1995 to allow participating
governmental and municipal agencies to reduce the cost of purchased goods by
leveraging their combined purchasing power. The bid process utilized by
National Joint Powers Alliance meets the requirements of the City?s Procurement
A Resolution (201-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase five (5) ?-
ton super/extended cab, 4-door, 4x2 pickup trucks (Ford F-150 Supercab), from
Allan Vigil Ford, (Morrow, GA) in the amount of $20,523.00 per unit, for a
total of $102,615.00. Four (4) trucks were approved in the FY13 Budget to be
used by supervisors of the Integrated Waste Division, of the Public Works
Department, to travel to inspect work sites and manage crews. These are new
units. One (1) additional truck was approved via the Vehicle Replacement
Program (VRP). It will be used by the staff of the Parks Services Division, of
the Parks and Recreation Department, to travel to and from work site locations.
A Resolution (202-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase six (6) ?-ton
crew cab, 4-door, 4x2 pickup trucks (RAM 1500 ST 4x2 Crew Cab), from Carl
Gregory Dodge, (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $21,518.00 per unit, for a total
of $129,108.00. The trucks were approved via the Vehicle Replacement Program
(VRP). They will be used by supervisory staff of the Parks Services Division,
of the Parks and Recreation Department, to travel to various facilities
maintained and operated by Parks Services, to perform site inspections and
evaluate staff.
A Resolution (203-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1) D7EQ
track type tractor from Yancey Bros. Company, (Fortson, GA) in the amount of
$520,826.00, by cooperative purchase via National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA)
Contract #060311-CAT. The tractor was approved via the FY12 Midyear and FY13
Integrated Waste Equipment Purchases [Special Projects II], and will be used at
the landfill. The purchase will be accomplished via Request for Proposal (RFP)
Contract #060311-CAT, initiated by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA),
whereby Caterpillar, was one of the successful vendors contracted to provide
Heavy Construction Equipment. The contract, which commenced July 19, 2011, is
good through July 19, 2015. The National Joint Powers Alliance is a Service
Cooperative created by Minnesota Statute 123A.21. This statute was created in
1978 and revised in 1995 to allow participating governmental and municipal
agencies to reduce the cost of purchased goods by leveraging their combined
purchasing power. The bid process utilized by National Joint Powers Alliance
meets the requirements of the City?s Procurement Ordinance; additionally,
cooperative purchasing is authorized per Article 9-101 of the Procurement
Ordinance.
A Resolution (204-13) ? Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Supplement Lease under the GMA Direct Lease Program for the purchase of the one
(1) D7EQ track type tractor at a unit price of $520,826.00.
A Resolution (205-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase of
agricultural chemicals on an ?as needed basis? from John Deere Landscapes
(Cleveland, OH), Kelly Seed Company (Hartford, AL), and Howard Fertilizer and
Chemical (Orlando, FL) for the estimated annual contract value of $243,236.24.
These chemicals will be utilized by Parks Services to maintain athletic turf,
and Public Works to maintain City right of ways. The term of the contract will
be for one year, with the option to renew for four additional twelve-month
periods. Contract renewal is contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City
and the Contractors.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________
A Resolution (206-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase furniture for
the Recycling Center from Malone Office Environments (Columbus, GA) in the
amount of $42,583.88 (which equates to the actual bid amount of $45,892.73
minus the $3,308.85 savings shown below). The furniture consists of a desk, a
credenza, and various types of chairs, various types of tables to be used in
the education/training area, lobby, break rooms and contractor?s office at the
facility.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor McDaniel and carried by a vote of 6 ? 3. Voting for the motion was
Councilors Baker, Barnes, Henderson, Huff, McDaniel and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh. Voting against the motion was Councilors Allen, Davis and Thomas.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_________________________________
_
(1) Memorandum from GMA, Re: GMA Annual Business Meeting.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Water
Commissioners.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Retirees Health Benefits
Committee.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Employees? Pension Plan,
Board of Trustees.
(5) Letter from former Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, suggesting an honor for John
Turner and Neil Wickham by designating 2.5 miles of the Riverwalk, the Neil
Wickham and John Turner Honor Segment.
(6) Email Correspondence from Ms. Michele NeSmith- ACCG?s Research and Policy
Development Director, Re: SB 160 Immigration Information effective July 1,
2013.
(7) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff, Councilor McDaniel?s
nominee to replace Mr. J. Phillip Thayer on the Board of Water Commissioners.
(8) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Leila Carr, who has expressed an interest in
serving on the Building Authority of Columbus.
*** *** ***
LETTER FROM FORMER MAYOR ROBERT S. POYDASHEFF:
Regarding Item Number 5 above, Clerk of Council Washington asked if the
Council wanted to just receive this correspondence or did they want to refer it
to the Board of Honor.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to refer it to the Board of Honor.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote
and Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson said she is not sure if they have contacted the proposed
honorees and said that we need to make sure that is something that they
want.
Clerk of Council Washington said she will make sure that they are
contacted before we forward this request to the Board of Honor.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
___________ __
A Resolution (207-13) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the May 28, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB OWNERS BUSINESS LICENSE:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted the application of Nancy Charo for a
taxicab owner?s business license to operate Radio / Co-Op Cab Company, located
at 1154 10th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31902. She pointed out that the Police
Department has reviewed the application and is recommending approval; however,
it needs the Council?s approval as well. Councilor Henderson moved approval of
the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
REQUESTS TO THE BOARD OF HONOR:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, speaking to City Attorney Fay said that she
thought that we had a policy on recommendations for naming after city-owned
facilities. She said she thought that a person had to be deceased and then
asked if we changed that policy.
City Attorney Fay said we did change that to allow honorary designations
for streets, but said as far as buildings and other structures, they would have
to be deceased.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said this is the Riverwalk and said we are
opening the door that she don?t think we want to.
City Attorney Fay said that is something to talk about and said we will be
setting a precedent. Mayor Tomlinson then asked that City Attorney Fay look
into that and to advise the Honor Board to make sure that they are fully aware
of existing law.
City Attorney Fay said historically structures and buildings have been
memorials for deceased people.
Councilor Henderson said he thinks that we need to have a Work Session.
He said frankly, it is almost like we are passing the buck to the Board of
Honor members and said he has heard from a few of them; and they get very
frustrated. He said we have one set of rules for streets, and say it?s
honorary, but then we argue about how long it is; and what type of signage it
should be, and then it gets confusing to public safety. He said he thinks that
this Council needs to set up some type of parameters and stick by it.
He said he knows in the past, when we had some type of naming, or we
anticipate when a person is at the end of their life; we have issued
resolutions acknowledging the intent to pursue that at the appropriate time;
which means we can recognize the individual in front of their families while
they are still with us.
He said when they pass on, the resolution was forwarded on and it was formerly
named.
He said he would like for the Council to take that on at a Work Session;
to come up with some criteria that we can give to the Board of Honor.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if we want to hold the motion in abeyance until
after we have our Work Session. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from the Chairman of the
Medical Center Hospital Authority, advising that their authority has re-elected
Mr. Robert George and Mr. Michael Gorum to serve another term of office on
their board.
Councilor Allen moved confirmation for them to serve another term of
office. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being
absent.
*** *** ***
GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Mr.
John Milan- Golf Course Authority, requesting that the seat of Mr. Neill
Hatcher be declared vacant due to the lack of attendance. Councilor Henderson
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being
absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________ ___________
Airport Commission, March 27, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, April 25, 2013.
Golf Authority, April 23, 2013.
Retirees? Health Benefits Committee, February 20, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, May 22, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill
the expired term of Mr. Tyler Townsend.
Councilor Davis then nominated Ms. Lelia Carr to succeed Mr. Townsend.
Clerk of Council Washington said she will bring this back on next week for the
Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor McDaniel is
nominating Ms. Laura A. Mann as his Council District Eight representative to
fill the expired term of Ms. Sharon Pierce on the Civic Center Board, who
cannot succeed herself . She further pointed out that Ms. Mann may be
confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor Woodson being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that Councilor Davis is
nominating Mr. Jay Wilkoff as his Council District Two representative to fill
the expired term of Mr. Robert Wetzel, who cannot succeed himself. She also
stated that Mr. Wilkoff may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):______________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Sudhir Patel does not
want to serve another term of office; therefore, the Council will need to
nominate someone to fill this term, which expired on March 1, 2013. There were
no nominations.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Nancy Rinn?s term of
office has expired, but she is eligible to succeed herself for another term and
would like to serve again. Councilor Davis then nominated Ms. Rinn for another
term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that for the position of
Mr. Alfred Hayes, Jr., on the Crime Prevention Board we have two nominees, who
are Ms. Jeanette Davis and Mr. Greg Wagner. She then took a roll call vote,
which resulted in Mr. Greg Wagner being elected. Voting for Ms. Davis was
Councilor Huff and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for Mr. Wagner were
Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, McDaniel and Thomas.
Councilor Woodson was absent for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington then advised that Mr. Wager may now be
confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor Woodson being absent.
Councilor Thomas then nominated Ms. Jeanette Davis for the position of
Ms. Nancy Rinn. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at
the next meeting for a vote of the Council.
*** *** ***
FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Samuel Rumer was
nominated at the last meeting to succeed himself for another term of office and
advises that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission is recommending Ms. Chris Henson to succeed Ms. Melba Spurlock as
Council District Two?s representative and Mr. Jason Cooper to succeed Mr.
Frazier Loomis as Council District Eight representative.
There were no objections by the two district councilors; therefore, Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion for confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out to Councilor Allen, District
Six Councilor that the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission is recommending Ms.
Carol Ridley to replace Greg Paul as the District Six representative and then
asked if he had any objections. There were none; therefore, Councilor Henderson
then made a motion that Ms. Carol Ridley be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Woodson being
absent, with the time of adjournment being 10:4 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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