MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 11, 2006
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, July 11, 2006, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,
and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis (arrived 9:05 a.m.),
Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Deputy City
Managers David Arrington and Lisa Goodwin, Assistant City Attorney Jamie
DeLoach and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: City Attorney Clifton Fay was absent but was represented by Assistant
City Attorney DeLoach. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Mickey Alex Saffold- Zion Dominion Christian
Center.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the June 13, 2006 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CHARACTER WORD FOR THE MONTH:
Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that since we did not have a meeting on the
first Tuesday of the month due to the July 4th Holiday, he would call forth Mr.
Ed Wilson to give the character word of the month.
Mr. Ed Wilson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, came forward to announce
that the character word for the month of July is ?forgiveness?. He said some
related words to ponder and practice in our daily lives are pardon, excuse,
acceptance, tolerance and conciliation. He said forgiveness means giving up
anger, resentment and or claims against someone who have given offense or
injury.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH NANCY BOREN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION STANDING
AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (270-06) - Commending and congratulating Nancy Boren,
Executive Director of Muscogee County Elections and Registration, upon
completing the Georgia Election Official Certification Program sponsored by the
Georgia Secretary of State. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members
present and standing to cast their vote in the affirmative.
Ms. Nancy Boren, Executive Director of Elections and Registration,
reminded everyone that there would be advanced voting this week in two
locations July 10 through July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. She also
provided information for those persons interested in registration to vote.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS
HELD AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 6427 Buena Vista Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) District. (30-CA-06-Wells)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. Wells,
but there was no presentation made since no one came forward in opposition.
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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at south side of Tomblin Drive is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) District. (31-A-06-Tiger Creek Development, Inc.)
(Councilor Suber) (The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division
recommend approval.)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. Dave
Erickson, but there was no presentation made since no one came forward in
opposition.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND INTRODUCED
ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - 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 36th Street beginning at the east right-of-way line
of Veterans Parkway and running east to the west right-of-way line of Hamilton
Road. (Councilor McDaniel)
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WERE SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND APPROVED ON SECOND
READING BY A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT
FOR THIS MEETING:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 4400 South Stadium Drive is
proposed for rezoning from NC Neighborhood Commercial) District to GC (General
Commercial) District. (28-A-06-Hughston)
Councilor Allen offered the following amendments to this ordinance. He
advised that he has discuss the changes with the petitioner and are as
follows: (1) Restrict the property to the single use of a storage facility,
(2) Include a reversionary clause and (3) The buildings that face Schomburg
Road would be of a brick veneer, which would be conducive to the neighborhood
setting. He said the final option would be that along the Stadium Drive
property line, there would be a dense buffering of a taller type shrubbery. He
then identified some foliage that would be acceptable.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach recalled that there was an amendment on
buffering that was done; however, Councilor Allen maintained the buffering
would not be dense enough; therefore, we want to talk about multiple layers of
trees.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to include the three amendments
outlined. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten
members present. Councilor Allen then made a motion that anyone present
regarding this matter to be heard. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried
unanimously by those ten members present.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach requested some clarification on the
amendments, at which time, Councilor Allen made further comments. When
Councilor Suber asked if the petitioner was in agreement with the amendments,
Mr. Edgar Hughston, came forward to state that he is in agreement with the
amendments and pointed out the particulars of the reversionary clause.
Mayor Poydasheff then asked Assistant City Attorney DeLoach to read the
amendments that were approved by the Council. Assistant City Attorney DeLoach
advised that the amendments are material change, so the ordinance would be on
first reading today. Councilor Turner Pugh suggested designating a time period
for when the building could be vacant before it reverts back to neighborhood
commercial.
At this time, Assistant City Attorney DeLoach responded to several
questions related to licensing and vacancy issues. At the request of Councilor
Turner Pugh, a motion was made by Councilor Allen that the building should not
be vacant or cease to be a storage facility for a period beyond 24 months,
after which it would revert back to neighborhood commercial. Seconded by
Councilor Turner Pugh. Councilor Anthony asked about insuring that a timeframe
be used when referring to vacant buildings across the city. Mayor Poydasheff
requested that Deputy City Manager David Arrington consider having the staff
bring back for discussion the points that have been raised regarding the length
of time that would be allowed for businesses to have vacant buildings.
Councilor Davis expressed concerns in that a site plan has been presented
by the petitioner and would request that site plan be included as part of the
motion. Mr. Hughston came forward to address the site plan inclusion. He
determined that the site plans are drawn up before the hard numbers come into
play; therefore, it may change a little bit. He said he has had two plans
drawn up and would not want to be tied to the site plan.
Mr. Hughston spoke highly of the building that would be constructed. He
advised that he has not heard any objections from the residents and the sign
that is posted on the property has been up for weeks. He also pointed out that
a lubrication center is going across the street from Maple Ridge on the north
corner, and his complex would have a better appearance and less offensive then
a lubrication center.
In reference to the sign that is posted, Councilor Davis said that several
residents were unable to see the sign, because of its location on the
property. He then requested that the staff determine if we could get the
?notice to rezone? signs closer to the right-of-way for better visibility by
the citizens.
Ms. Amy Decker, resident of Maple Ridge, approached the rostrum and spoke
of a petition that was collected in opposition of this rezoning. At the
suggestion of Mayor Poydasheff, Ms. Decker presented the petition to Deputy
Clerk of Council Davis for the record.
After Councilor Suber asked Ms. Decker questions regarding the visibility
of the ?notice to rezone? sign, Councilor Allen also expressed concerns with
the slope of this particular property and the lack of visibility of the sign.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington advised that the signs are in accordance
with the existing regulations, but we would check to see if there are some
modifications that could be made.
Ms. Decker continued with her statements by mentioning potential problems
with having storage units on this property. She said that she has had storage
units in different cities and it has been her experience there were street
people and drifters using the units as a home. She expressed concerns with
these homeless people hanging around the area with an elementary school
nearby.
Councilor Turner Pugh asked if any of the homeless people were spotted
hanging around storage units in Columbus, Georgia, at which time, Ms. Decker
responded by saying no. Several members of Council then pointed out that they
have not received complaints from storage unit managers that they were having a
problem with the homeless hanging around mini storage units. Councilor
McDaniel made comments regarding the homeless people being able to afford to
pay for a storage unit.
Ms. Diane Dana, resident of Maple Ridge, expressed concerns with potential
traffic issues and the types of large vehicles that would be used to transport
items in and out of the storage units.
In response to comments by Assistant City Attorney DeLoach, Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers made a motion to continue first reading on next week. Seconded by
Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
Mr. Pete Hart, 5810 Pierce Chapel Road, expressed opposition with the
rezoning request because of increased traffic that would occur in conjunction
with the existing traffic volume due to the new school, existing schools and
residential traffic that is already taking place.
In reference to advertising of rezoning request, Councilor Suber pointed
out that the sign on the property is not the only notification to the
residents, because the rezone is also advertised in the newspaper
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND APPROVED ON
SECOND READING BY A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR
PRO TEM RODGERS, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH
COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE (Councilor Woodson was absent
for this vote, but immediately upon returning to the table asked that her vote
be cast in the
affirmative.):
An Ordinance (06-59) - Rezoning property located at 1110 54th Street is
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District to RMF1
(Residential Multi-Family 1) District. (29-A-06-Abney)
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH
AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING BY A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE
MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE (Councilor
Woodson was absent for this vote, but immediately upon returning to the table
asked that her vote be cast in the
affirmative.):
An Ordinance (06-60) - providing for the levy, assessment, and collection
of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
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COUNCILOR ANTHONY?S SON:
Councilor Anthony recognized the presence of his son, Mark Anthony, who
was seated in the audience. He pointed out that Mark Anthony is a law student
at the University of Kentucky and is working in the District Attorney?s Office.
Upon the request of Council, Mr. Mark Anthony approached the rostrum to be
recognized.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. TERRY SMITH, RE: AN INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW BELLSOUTH REGIONAL
MANAGER:
Mr. Terry Smith, came forward and introduced himself as the new BellSouth
Regional Manager. He thanked everyone for the opportunity to be present today
and assumed the area of Columbus on July 1, 2006.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING AND SIDEWALKS:
Mr. Lorenza Wilder did not come forward when given the opportunity to
address the Council; however, he did arrive later during the course of the
meeting.
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MR. BILLY FOWLER, RE: A REQUEST TO REMOVE TWO PROPERTIES, 2047 WYNNTON
ROAD AND 1211 PEACOCK AVENUE, FROM THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
DESIGNATION:
Mr. Billy Fowler cancelled his appearance before the Council.
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RESOLUTION:
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff bring forth a resolution for
Clerk of Council Tiny Washington for her accomplishments in being named the
2007 President of the Georgia Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers Association
that was featured in the Columbus Times Newspaper.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
As mentioned by Councilor Suber, Mayor Poydasheff reiterated that he would
be making a request to go into executive session on litigation.
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CURFEW LAWS:
Councilor Anthony requested that the staff to research information
regarding curfew laws that could be put into effect in Columbus. Mayor
Poydasheff added that there is a curfew under Georgia Law.
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DANGEROUS DOGS:
Councilor Anthony requested that Assistant City Attorney DeLoach research
information in regards to placing some restrictions on pit bull dogs due to
complaints that people have been attacked while walking or children playing in
their yards.
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RESOLUTION FOR KYLE CARTER:
Councilor Allen requested that Assistant City Attorney DeLoach bring forth
a resolution for Kyle Carter for representing Columbus, Georgia as a twelve
year old in the All Star Games for Little Leagues. He also requested that the
Northern Little League and Kyle Carter be recognized for their
accomplishments.
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COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL:
Councilor Henderson requested that Assistant City Attorney DeLoach bring
forth a resolution for Columbus High School for being ranked No. 2 in the State
by the Georgia High School Athletic Association and the No. 1 Public School in
points accumulated in all athletic events and sports for both male and female.
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U. S. OPEN:
Councilor Davis requested a resolution for Stacey Kim for competing in the
U.S. Open for the LPGA Tournament and for being one of the youngest players to
compete in this tournament.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER LISA GOODWIN AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (271-06) - Authorizing a request to accept grant funds for
$2,571 from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board, Office of the
Secretary of State, for hiring a consultant to evaluate the records center's
structure and place records storage procedures online. Councilor Suber moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those ten members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (272-06) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and
accept if approved a $2,089,000 grant proposed by the Federal Aviation
Administration as co-sponsor with the Columbus Metropolitan Airport. Councilor
Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those ten members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (273-06) - Authorizing a request to execute a City Right of
Way Agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a County Contract
to re-surface parking lots at various Muscogee County School District?s School
sites. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Turner
Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (274-06) - Authorizing a request to amend the contract with
Insituform Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $132,458 and authorize the
reimbursement to the adjacent property owner at 3400 Hilton Avenue in the
amount of $14,684 for storm drain pipe rehabilitation along Cherokee Avenue and
Hilton Avenue. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked if the $14,684 take the total project to
$132,458 or is it $132,458 plus the $14,684? Deputy City Manager Goodwin
responded by saying that the $14,684 is separate and is the reimbursement for
expenses that have already been incurred by a private owner.
Councilor Turner Pugh said that this contract was just awarded in June and
they already have an additional $132,458, at which time, Assistant Engineering
Director Donna Newman pointed out that we had this information upfront, but we
did not want to delay the project. She stated that the $132,458 had some
connections with the legal issues so we had to confer with the City Attorney
then bring this information to Council. Councilor Turner Pugh asked that in
the future, the Council should know what the full contract amount should be.
Councilor Allen agreed with the comments of Councilor Turner Pugh. He
said that in an effort to get the project completed before school started, it
was rushed. He then suggested that it would be good to inform the Council that
this is what we are doing and why we are doing it and that the staff would be
coming back to the Council at a later time.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion to approve the resolution,
which carried unanimously by those ten members present.
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HISTORICAL RECORDS:
Deputy City Manager Goodwin made reference to Item No. 1 on the City
Manager?s Agenda to provide some additional information. She pointed out that
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers had asked a question regarding the consultant work. She
explained that the consultant would address climate control and ventilation
issues dealing with records. She added that they would also do a visual
inspection of the facility to make sure there are no cracks and crevice where
pest could get in and damage those records and lastly record retention.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
GOODWIN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (275-06) - Authorizing an annual contract with Jordan, Jones
& Goulding for environmental monitoring services.
A Resolution (276-06) - Authorizing annual contracts for Professional A &
E Services with the cited firms in the following categories: Architectural
Services: 2WR/ANDRAS Architects and Kenneth Levy Architects; Engineering
Services: W. K. Dickson and Stantec Consulting Services. Services will be
required on an as needed basis and costs will be negotiated per project.
A Resolution (277-06) - Authorizing approval of a Letter of Agreement with
Prison Health Services to provide physician and physician?s assistant medical
services, as well as, on site psychiatric services, for inmates at the Muscogee
County Jail and Muscogee County Prison. The fixed administrative fee will be
$13,980.00 per month. The professional component will be in an amount not to
exceed $42,995.00 per month, unless additional services have been requested and
delivered.
A Resolution (278-06) - Authorizing the execution of Change Order No. 9
with Batson Cook Company, in the amount of $62,501.00, for the library
construction project.
A Resolution (279-06) ? Authorizing payment to Municipal Code Corporation,
in the amount of $13,847.97, for supplement services and electronic updates to
the Columbus City Code.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
Notice from EPD Public Advisory that Goldens? Foundry & Machine Company has
submitted an application for the removal of two molding lines, installation of
a new molding line and relocation of existing equipment within the facility.
Letter submitted by Mr. Carlton Bledsoe expressing opposition to the rezoning
of property located at 3556 and 3562 St. Mary?s Road from SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3) to GC (General Commercial). (35-A-06-Morrison)(Item #9d on
Clerk?s Agenda)
Biographical Sketch of Mr. Aubry Burt, Councilor Henderson?s nominee to replace
Mr. Earl Bagley on the Columbus Golf Course Authority.
Biographical Sketch of Ms. Nancy Hopkins, Councilor Henderson?s nominee to
replace Ms. Rhudine Nelson on the Columbus Golf Course Authority.
Biographical Sketch of Mr. Gregory L. Reed, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Mr. Earl Bagley on the Columbus Golf Course Authority.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AS AMENDED AT THE JUNE 20, 2006 MEETING AND DELAYED FOR THREE WEEKS BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution - Granting a variance request to waive the minimum street
frontage requirement in order to construct a residential subdivision at 8551-4
Moore Road.
Councilor Henderson said based on information provided by the City
Attorney at the last meeting that this is a Special Exception and each case
would be based on its on merit, he would move approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Rodgers.
Fire Marshal Greg Lang came forward to advise that he has went out to the
area and observed the private road that is leading to the proposed road, and it
is his determination that the road is not going to be wide enough to conduct
fire and emergency operations. He said that his recommendation would be to no
Councilor Henderson referred to information that he received that the City
has had someone out there fighting fires in the woods in that area not too long
ago. He asked about the records pertaining to the fire. Fire Marshal Lang
recommended the request not be approved the way it is now.
In light of this information, Councilor Henderson withdrew his motion for
approval. Councilor Suber moved it be defeated. Seconded by Councilor Turner
Pugh.
Mayor Poydasheff suggested delaying this matter to allow the proponent to
get with Public Safety. Councilor Henderson asked about the timeline if this
request is denied before the proponent could bring this variance back to
Council.
Councilor Suber maintained that our staff has determined that the roadways
are too small to maneuver that area. He called attention to future problems
with this request because the roadway does not meet the City?s specifications.
Councilor Allen asked about the width of residential driveways and if
there is a requirement for the driveway to be a certain width. Traffic
Engineer Ron Hamlett responded by saying for residential driveways the range is
anywhere from nine feet to 20 feet and for the radii a minimum of five feet.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers called attention to the question asked by Councilor
Henderson, at which time, Assistant City Attorney DeLoach replied that the wait
time would be twelve months if a variance is denied. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers
then made a motion to delay this item for three weeks. Seconded by Councilor
Davis.
Ms. Sarah Hubbuch, came forward to reiterate that the fire department has
been in that area to battle a fire and she would provide the date at a later
time.
Councilor Davis made comments regarding variances in the Unified
Development Ordinance that must be approved by the Council.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion to delay for three weeks,
which carried by a vote of eight to two with Councilors Turner Pugh and Suber
voting no and all others present voting yes.
Councilor Davis said that since there have been concerns raised about
liability, he requested that the staff research the laws to determine the
liability factor of the City and the risks involved in granting the variance
request with the width of the roadway not being up to standards.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (280-06) - Receiving the report of the Finance Director of
those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied during the
month of June 2006.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Airport Commission, May 24, 2006.
Airport Commission, June 21, 2006.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 23-06, 24-06 & 25-06.
Board of Health, May 24, 2006.
Columbus Golf Authority, May 23, 2006.
Community Development Advisory Council, March 15, 2006.
Department of Family & Children Services Board, June 28, 2006.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, May 15, 2006.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made a motion that these minutes be received.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR EACH BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by David Erickson to rezone approximately 0.7386 acre
of property located at 4817 Miller Road from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1)
to LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial). (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (32-A-06-Erickson)
Petition submitted by Randolph Schmidt to rezone approximately 0.57 acre
of property located at 4013, 4017, 4021 & 4025 2nd Avenue from RMF1
(Residential Multi-Family 1) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial). (Recommended for
conditional approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department). (33-CA-06-Schmidt)
Petition submitted by George C. Woodruff Company to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance to allow universities and colleges in the RO
(Residential-Office) zoning district as a Special Exception Use. (Recommended
for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department). (34-A-06-George C. Woodruff Co.)
Petition submitted by Robert Morrison to rezone approximately 1.28 acres
of property located as Parts of 3556 & 3562 St. Mary?s Road from SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3) to GC (General Commercial). (Recommended for approval by
both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department).
(35-A-06-Morrison)
Petition submitted by Perrin Nicholson to rezone approximately 0.36 acre
of property located at 2234 Elm Drive from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC
(General Commercial). (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department). (36-A-06-Nicholson)
Petition submitted by Marcus Moring, Jr. to rezone approximately 0.37 acre
of property located at 2406 N. Lumpkin Road from NC (Neighborhood Commercial)
to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1). (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (37-A-06-Moring)
Petition submitted by David Cummings to rezone approximately 0.43 acre of
property located at 2601 Manchester Expressway & 2602 Johnson Drive from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial). (Recommended for
approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department).
(38-A-06-Cummings)
Petition submitted by David Cummings to rezone approximately 0.25 acre of
property located at 2419 Warm Springs Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential
2) to RO (Residential - Office). (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (39-A-06-Cummings)
Petition submitted by George C. Woodruff Company to rezone approximately
25.02 acres of property located at 6206 Forrest Road from SFR2 (Single Family
Residential 2) to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3). (Recommended for
approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department).
(40-A-06-George C. Woodruff Co.)
Petition submitted by George C. Woodruff Company to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance to allow kitchens in Guest Cottages.
(Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department). (41-A-06-George C. Woodruff Co.)
Councilor Allen requested that the public hearing on these ten rezonings
be conducted over several meetings, at which time, Deputy City Manager Goodwin
said that they would work on that.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Carmen Cavezza was
nominated at the last meeting to succeed Mr. James Yancey. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote.
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EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Poydasheff is nominating
Mr. Robert Futrell to replace Mr. David Arrington and Mr. George Plummer to
replace Mr. Murray Daniel Gray. She pointed out that since these are the
Mayor?s nominations, the appointments could be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote.
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GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Richard Hagler, Mr. Willie
Hill, Mr. Floyd Washington and Ms. Nancy Wilkerson were nominated to serve
another term of office at the last meeting and may now be confirmed. Councilor
Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote.
Councilor Turner Pugh asked questions regarding the make up of the
Columbus Golf Authority, at which time, Deputy Clerk of Council Davis responded
to each. Councilor Turner Pugh then pointed out that Mr. Leonard is from
Senatorial District 15.
After a roll call vote for the seat of Mr. Earl Bagley, Mr. Aubry Burt
received six votes: Councilors Davis, Henderson, McDaniel, Rodgers, Suber and
Woodson. Mr. Greg Reed received three votes: Councilors Allen, Hunter and
Turner Pugh. Councilor Anthony was absent for this vote. Councilor McDaniel
then moved confirmation of Mr. Aubry Burt. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Anthony being absent for this vote.
After a roll call vote for the seat of Ms. Rhudine Nelson, Ms. Nancy
Hopkins received seven votes: Councilors Allen, Davis, Henderson, Hunter,
McDaniel, Rodgers and Woodson. Mr. Paul Leonard received two votes:
Councilors Suber and Turner Pugh. Councilor Anthony was absent for this vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then moved confirmation of Ms. Nancy Hopkins. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Susan Beck has resigned
from the Hospital Authority. She said that the Council would need to submit
three nominees for this vacancy. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Mr. Burt
Coker.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that at the June 20, 2006 Council
Meeting, Mr. Earnest Baulkmon, Ms. Ann Davis, Mr. Greg Paul and Mr. Frank
Porter were renominated to serve another term of office. Councilor Turner Pugh
moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor Anthony being absent for
this vote. Councilor Turner Pugh then moved confirmation of Mr. William F.
Green to replace Ms. Patricia Cardin, Mr. Michael Moshell to replace Mr.
William Consoletti, Mr. Stan A. Stovall to replace Mr. Bernard Corcoran and Ms.
Lynna F. Spencer to replace Mr. Elliott Waddell. Seconded by Councilor Hunter
and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Anthony being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Mark Oropeza his eligible
to succeed himself. Councilor Allen then renominated Mr. Oropeza for another
term of office.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that each member of Council would
need to nominate someone from his or her respective district to serve. She
added that a sheet with potential nominees have been provided by the City
Manager?s Office.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the previous request to go into
executive session to discuss litigation. Councilor Turner Pugh made the motion
to allow the Council to go into executive session. .
*** *** ***
After Councilor Hunter recognized that there may be someone present that
wants to address the Council, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone
present that would like to address the Council regarding an issue that affects
the City Council. Mr. Lorenza Wilder came forward.
*** *** ***
MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING AND SIDEWALKS:
Mr. Lorenza Wilder approached the rostrum to express concerns with
speeding and not having sidewalks on Wilder Drive and Higgs Drive, because the
children walk this road on their way to school.
Mayor Poydasheff requested that the staff check into the situation
regarding sidewalks for Wilder Drive and Higgs Drive to determine how far these
roads are from the schools.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the previous request to go into
executive session to discuss litigation. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made the motion
to allow the Council to go into executive session. Seconded by Councilor
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilors Anthony and Suber being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
At 10:42 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the
Council to go into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 11:00 a.m., the regular meeting was reconvened, at which time, Mayor
Poydasheff pointed out that the Council did meet in executive session to
discuss litigation, but there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA PAY PLAN:
Councilor Turner Pugh recalled that we discussed this morning the
implementation of the pay plan. She said the staff has proposed implementing
it in phases or by department, because a lot of it is done manual. She pointed
out that the Council needs to make a decision on implementation in phases or
withhold all pay raises until everything has been resolved. She reminded
everyone that regarding of the decision everyone would be made whole
retroactive back to July 1st.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley recommended that we move forwards with the
implementation stage by department due to the tedious manual work involved. He
recognized the staff that was present that was available to justify his
recommendation.
Councilor Turner Pugh then made a motion to implement the process that is
already in place, knowing that some individuals may not receive their raises
this Friday in their paycheck, but also knowing that all employees would be
made whole back to July 1st. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Allen expressed his concerns with some employees receiving their
increases before others, which means that all employees are not being treated
equally. He said that he would prefer to have all the pay increases delayed
until the Human Resources Department is ready to present it to all employees.
Councilor Henderson said that his concern with rushing to implement the
plan when there are more policy decisions that have yet to be settled with
regards to the pay plan. He spoke of the top out concerns from some employees.
City Manager Hugley responded to questions regarding the implementation
phase. Finance Director Cole then addressed concerns from Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers regarding the tax implications. Finance Director Angela Cole also
explained the reasons why the staggering of the implementation would be better
for the staff to handle due to the number of employees involved and the manual
process that must be done. Human Resources Director Tom Barron emphasized the
short window for entering the data. He expressed concerns with doing all of
the increases at one time in regards to the accuracy level. Information
Technology Director Charles Tate also made comments regarding the difference in
increases that would occur and there is no way to program it. He contended
that if the pay raise was across the board; then, there would be no problem.
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NOTE: Mayor Poydasheff left the meeting during this part of the proceedings
with the time being 11:17 a.m.
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After there were no further comments, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers called
attention to the motion to implement the process that is already in place,
knowing that some individuals may not receive their raises this Friday in their
paycheck, but also knowing that all employees would be made whole back to July
1st, which carried by a vote of seven to two with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and
Councilor Allen voting no and all others present voting yes with Councilor
Davis being absent for this vote.
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote with the time being 11:40 a.m.
*** *** ***
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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