MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2014
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 P.M., Tuesday, October 14, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson were Councilors Gary Allen,
Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Jr., Skip Henderson, Judy Thomas, Evelyn
Woodson, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City
Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny Washington, Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis and Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also
present. Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at 9:09 a.m. and
Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at 9:38 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Bruce Huff was absent. Charles E. McDaniel was also absent,
but was excused upon the adoption of Resolution Number
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INVOCATION: Led by Chaplain Neil Richardson ? Muscogee County Sheriff?s
Office.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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UPDATE ON COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that Councilor McDaniel continues to improve
on a day by day basis. She said she would ask that you continue to keep him in
your thoughts and prayers.
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PRESENTATION:
MAYOR?S OPPORTUNITY CENTER TASK FORCE REPORT ? CHRISTIE BEVIS, TASK FORCE
CHAIR:_______________________
Mayor Tomlinson said we had a group of some thirty stakeholders who have
been involved in homeless service provision in our community and said as you
may know, in November 2012, under the leadership of former Mayor Jim
Wetherington, a 10-year plan to end homeless was adopted by this community
after two years of consideration. She said we all gathered together, which was
lead by Ms. Christie Beavis of the Home for Good to determine whether or not
this community should begin to invest in a one-stop resource center. She then
called Ms. Christie Beavis to come forward and to present the Task Force report
of all the work that has been done.
Ms. Christie Beavis then came forward and presented the Task Force?s
report, after which she responded to questions of members of the Council.
Other members of the Task Force was also present in the audience.
Mayor Tomlinson presented her special medal to those who served on the
Task Force.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 30, 2014 Council meeting and the September 9,
2014meeting 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
Turner Pugh. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and
McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DEFEATED ON SECOND READING: _____
_________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 645 Brown Avenue is proposed
for rezoning from RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) Zoning District to GC
(General Commercial) Zoning District. (District 7- Councilor Woodson) The
current and proposed use is for a convenience store with gas sales.
Councilor Allen made a motion to adopt the ordinance.
Councilor Henderson said there was still some discussion amongst some of
the Councilors, who were trying to determine which rezoning matter this was.
Mayor Tomlinson confirmed that this is the Brown Avenue rezoning matter
and said as it stands right now we have a motion to adopt the ordinance, but
there was no second to the motion.
Councilor Allen then withdrew his motion to adopt the ordinance.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to defeat the ordinance. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent
from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:________________________
An Ordinance (14-57) ? Rezoning properties located at 4015 and 4019
Forrest and 4100 Taylor Drive; and Road are proposed for rezoning from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District to GC (General Commercial) Zoning
District. The proposed use is for general retail
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING AFTER SOME
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION:
An Ordinance (14-58) - Rezoning properties located at 7260, 7300, and 7400
Blackmon Road are proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) Zoning
District to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District.
Councilor Allen said he would like to thank all the citizens who called
and emailed, wrote and contacted members of the Council. He said there are
individuals who are both in favor and against the project. He said they had a
meeting on Sunday afternoon and said there were several questions that came up
and he told the residents that he would ask the developers to respond to those
questions on today at the meeting so that they would be in the record.
Councilor Allen said he would also like to again thank Director of the
Department of Planning, Rick Jones, Donna Newman, Mr. Walter Dorsey and Will
Johnson, who helped with the round-about discussions and the planning area as a
whole; and being available; especially on a Sunday afternoon.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to allow the developer to be heard.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this
meeting.
Councilor Allen said there were areas of concerns that were addressed at
the meeting, to include employees being hired locally, the hours of operation,
and the construction timeline. He then asked Mr. Kirk, if he could respond to
those items.
Mr. David Kirk, with the law firm of Troutman & Sanders, 600 Peachtree
Street, Atlanta, Georgia. He said with him is Mr. Glenn Wilkins of Walmart. He
said he would defer to Mr. Wilkins to allow him to respond to those questions
as it relates to the hiring and the jobs for Walmart; and he would then respond
to the other two questions.
Mr. Glenn Wilkins, Director of Public Affairs & Governmental Relations for
Walmart said as it relates to the hiring, they definitely do what to hire
within the community, because they know there is a sense of proud for those who
live ,work and play within their community. He said their goal is to be able to
find a location to have a hiring center within close proximity of the proposed
site. He said they want to be able to get the information out early to the
people in the community; whether it?s through an email distribution list or
working with an economic development groups to get that information out. He
said they want to let the public know what we are looking for and what those
qualifications need to be for those specific jobs.
Mr. Kirk said with regards to the hours, what they would ask, is that they
be permitted to follow the normal practice that they do with stores; which is
to initially open for a 24-hour operations and then rely on the store manager
to evaluate that over the course of the first few months of operation. He said
Walmart is all about the convenience of the customer; however, if the customer
is not showing up 24-hours, then there is certainly no reason for them to be
open 24-hours.
Mr. Kirk said what they would pledge to do, if you would allow them to be
open24-hours at the outset; they would then re-evaluate that over the next few
months and if it turns out that the customers are not showing up 24-hours;
then, they would then compress those hours based on the customer?s demands.
He said with regards to the construction schedule, currently the plan is
to start construction in the late spring of next year; and then, the grand
opening would be sometime in the first quarter of 2016.
Mr. Kirk then responded to questions of Councilor Baker as to what the
scope of this particular operation, as to what you are and what you are not.
Mr. Kirk pointed out that this is will be a grocery store, with a pharmacy and
fuel station on the premises. He said it is not a Super Center, and it is not
intended to be a Super Center.
Councilor Allen said the concerns that were voiced early on were regarding
the traffic on Blackmon Road; the lights in the parking lot, and then asked Mr.
Kirk, if he and the engineers had gotten together on the type of design for the
lights. Mr. Kirk pointed out that there is a provision in the Code that
requires no spillover of lights to adjoining property. He said they have
spoken with Mr. Jones and the other staff; and said that is what they are going
to do. He said their engineers are here if you have any specific questions
about the lighting.
Mr. Kirk said with regards to the traffic, he would echo your thanks, to
your staff and to the engineers who have worked with our team to evaluate the
option of the round-about, in comparison to the signalized intersection, his
understanding is that they function much the same and we understand that the
community?s preference is the round-about and they are happy to provide that.
Discussions continued on this rezoning, with City Attorney Fay pointing
out that there is no specific buffer condition in the ordinance. He said there
are three options under Category C that they will have to use.
Councilor Allen said he believes that the developer is on record as saying
that it will remain as an undisturbed natural buffer.
Mr. Kirk said there is an area that it shows on the site plan that is
beyond the buffer that is required by the ordinance; it?s approximately 200
feet of wooded area behind the portion of the property that is being rezoned
and
Mr. Billings and his family have committed to keeping that undeveloped.
Councilor Allen then said he would then make that an amendment to the
ordinance to allow the undisturbed natural buffer. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes.
Councilor Henderson said as he recollects that section was actually a
separate lot; which at the time we were confronted with the challenge of
keeping it like it is when we really don?t have the legal right to. He said he
was wondering if we could,?because we know what the Council?s intent is; is
there someway that we could tag this rezoning process so that if that lot ever
comes before the Council, as part of a rezoning request, that it will trigger
something that will remind whomever is sitting around this Council table at
that time, that the intention of both the developer and the wishes of this
Council, and the neighbors, to keep that undisturbed.
Director of Planning, Rick Jones, in response to Councilor Henderson, said
Mr. Billings would have to get a permit to clear the land. He also showed the
area on the map and then responded to further questions of members of the
Council.
Councilor Henderson then asked if Mr. Billings or someone else tried to
disturb this portion, we would have notification; and we can tie it in someone
so that we will know. Mr. Jones said yes, we would have notification of that.
After further discussion on this zoning matter, Councilor Allen then
withdrew his motion to amend the ordinance regarding the buffer.
Councilor Henderson recognized an individual in the audience who wanted to
be heard and said he would like to make a motion to allow that individual to be
heard. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel
being absent from this meeting.
Mr. Andrew Foster, resident of the area said one thing that was mentioned
is that they also have a petition signed opposing this rezoning.
He said there has not been a traffic study done on this two-lane road, with a
school and a neighborhood at the very end of it at the end of the round-about
that has no egress with backup traffic. He said if you went by that road this
morning at 8:26 a.m., it was un-passable due to rain and school traffic. He
then asked how is that going to be effected with a 2-lane road adding 5,000
more cars a day.
Mr. Rick Jones said there was a traffic study done initially on this
application in terms of looking at the signalized intersection; and said since
our last conversation here in Council about the round-about, we requested the
applicant to go back again and look at what the round-about would actually do.
He then asked Traffic Engineer, Doc Dorsey, to come forward and show what the
numbers are.
Mr. Doc Dorsey said the estimated numbers are approximately 3,000 cars per
day added to Blackmon Road in the vicinity of the site. He said we asked the
developers? engineers to look at the traffic at the intersection, as a
signalized intersection versus the round-about said there were several
similarities, but a lot of differences in the traffic, but said based on their
analysis, and observations, their recommendations, they think the traffic will
be better off with the round-about due to safety considerations, due to less
delays during the majority of the times during the day, better access for
pedestrians in the vicinity of the intersection. He said it is their
recommendation that the round-about be installed for those reasons.
After the discussion concluded on this matter, Councilor Allen then made a
motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting
with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING HELD AS ADVERTISED, WITH ITS FIRST READING
BEING DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 4023, 4035, 4101, & 4113
Anglin Road; 3556 Valley Drive; and the north portion of 3705 Claymore Road are
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district
to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) zoning district. The proposed use is for
townhouses and single family residential.
PROPONENT:
Mr. Wright Wade, the petitioner came forward and stated that he would like
to rezone 3.5 acres for the purpose of a fourteen lot residential subdivision.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there were any questions from the members
of Council.
Councilor Baker said he received a list of concerns on last night from the
residents in the area. He said maybe we can take some extra time to address
these concerns. He said he is not sure if Mr. Wade has that list of concerns or
if he has had time to meet with the residents next door and said that is
something that we might want to do.
Councilor Baker, speaking to the Director of the Planning Department, Rick
Jones, said he has some reports that the residents who adjoin this property
greater than 300 feet had no knowledge of this hearing until they saw it in the
newspaper. He said they didn?t get the first reading notice and then asked, if
we can go back and track to see who those went to, and whether or not they were
received. He said he knows that the residents would like some input and he
thinks that this has gotten by some of them.
He said he would like to hear from those residents who are present here
today and maybe continue first reading, as well as get together with the
developer, to allow him to address some of these issues.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. David Jones, President of the Anglin Road Homeowners Association came
forward and said that they have gotten together and have come up with a list of
concerns about building next door to them. He then introduced their Treasurer,
Mr. Jim Murphy and said he would like to speak about the lack of information to
the 44 households on Anglin Road with respect to this proposed development.
Mr. Murphy said he did attend the Planning Advisory Commission and
informed the members of that board that there were members in his community
that did not receive notice of the meeting.
Discussion regarding the residents of a group of condominiums in the area
that was not notified of the public hearing for this proposed rezoning
on Anglin Road, Valley Drive and Claymore Road continued for some fifteen
minutes or more after which a request was then made for the Planning Department
Director, Rick Jones, to look into this matter.
Mayor Tomlinson also asked that the process be investigated to find a
better procedure to ensure that all property owners within 300 feet of a
proposed rezoning of a property be notified accordingly.
Councilor Baker made a motion to delay this public hearing for thirty
days. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Huff and McDaniel
being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:___________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 8800 and 8818 Veterans
Parkway are proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) and PUD
(Planned Unit Development) zoning district to PUD (Planned Unit Development)
zoning district. (District 6-Councilor Allen) The proposed use is for single
family residential.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA :
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (310-14) ? Authorizing the appointment of
Dr. James Forrest Toelle as Director of Information Technology Department.
City Manager Hugley called forward his candidate for the Director of the
Information Technology Department. He also introduced members of the selection
committee who served to recommend Dr. Toelle.
After City Manager Hugley responded to questions of members of the
Council, Councilor Baker then made a motion to confirm Dr. James Forrest Toelle
as the Director of Information Technology Department. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. RANDY PRATHER, REPRESENTING RANDY PRATHER BUILDING & REMODELING CO.,
RE: CONDITION OF ROADWAY AT 1364 BELINDA DRIVE.____________________
Mr. Randy Prather, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda to
speak to the subject of the condition of the roadway at 1364 Belinda Drive, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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MS. ROBBIE BRANSCOMB, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS
CIVIC CENTER, RE: LET?S GROWN STE(A)M._______________
Ms. Robbie Branscomb, cancelled her scheduled appearance before the
Council prior to the meeting this morning.
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MR. RICKET CARTER, RE: POLICE MISCONDUCT.________
Mr. Ricket Carter, came forward and addressed some concerns regarding he
has with the Columbus Police, as well as outlined an instance where he said
there were some misunderstandings with him and members of the police force.
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MR. BUDDY BRYAN, REPRESENTING MUSCOGEE COUNTY CORONER?S OFFICE, RE: PAUPER
CREMATION AND BURIAL CHARGES._________
__________________________
Mr. Buddy Bryan, Muscogee County Coroner, who requested to be listed on
the Council?s public agenda to speak to the subject of pauper burials and
cremation came forward and addressed an issue regarding the funding of his
department.
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MS. SARAH ROWE, RE: THE FERAL CAT PROGRAM:
Ms. Sarah Rowe, came forward and spoke regarding the feral cat program the
City of Columbus has in place and addressed her concerns surrounding this
program; after which, Councilor Allen requested that we hold a Work Session in
order for the Council to allow discussion whereas Council can hear from Ms.
Rowe, as well as Public Works Director Pat Biegler on this issue.
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MS. RHUDINE NELSON, REPRESENTING GEORGIA LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM, RE: ABA?S
NATIONAL PRO BONO WEEK CELEBRATION.______
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Mr. Rhudine Nelson, representing Georgia Legal Services Program, came
forward and outlined the activities that they have planned for ABA?s National
Pro Bono Week, and invited members of the Council, as well as the public to
attend. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested that this information presented by
Ms. Nelson be aired on CCG-TV.
Councilor Woodson also requested that the Mayor do a proclamation
expressing appreciation to the organization for their services to the community.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (311-14) ? Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Development Authority of
Columbus for funding of economic development projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent
from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (312-14) - Authorizing the City Manager to submit an
application and if approved accept a grant (with no local match required) for
$46,000 (or amount awarded) from the Columbus Board of Health to expand home
visitation programs and amend the multi-governmental grant fund by the award
amount.
Councilor Woodson moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
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A Resolution (313-14) - Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Local
Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) with the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT) for River Road/Bradley Park Drive Intersection
Improvement Project.
Councilor Allen moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (314-14) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Cal Court
located in Sears Pond South on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Allen moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (315-14) - Authorizing the acceptance of a quit claim deed to
Alvah H. Chapman way and that portion of Albion way and the designation of
Alvah H. Chapman way and that portion of Albion Way located in the Housing
Authority Development as public streets on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Henderson moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (316-14) - Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to
submit an application and accept, if awarded, a grant from the Georgia
Environmental Financing Association in the amount of approximately $20,000, as
awarded, for the installation costs of a vehicle charging station to be donated
by Nissan, with a local match required in the amount of approximately $5,000,
which is 10% of the total project cost estimated to be $50,000, and to amend
the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the award and local match.
During the discussion regarding the approval of the grant application for
funds from the Georgia Environmental Financial Association for the installation
of a charging station located at 11th Street and Broadway., it was brought to
the attention of Council that there will not be a fee charged for the
utilization of this charging station, after which Councilor Woodson then
requested that Deputy City Manager David Arrington to evaluate the possibility
of charging a fee for this service seeing that the city will be responsible for
the cost associated with it.
She said when the charging station is installed, let?s look at having the
staff to include signage at the location notifying citizens that this service
will be provided free of charge for the time being, but there may be a charge
for the utilization in the future.
Councilor Davis said he would like for the staff to do some research to
determine if the Federal funded program is still in place to assist the city in
the cost of the charging station.
After the discussion concluded on this subject, Councilor Henderson then
moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting with
Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILORS HUFF MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (317-14) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Denny Enterprises (Fortson, GA), Nolin Fence and Deck (Phenix City, AL)
and Young Fencing Company (Columbus, GA) for the installation or replacement of
fencing throughout Columbus-Muscogee County on an as-needed basis.
A Resolution (318-14) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Temple, Inc., Southern Lighting & Traffic Systems and Utilicom Supply
Associates, LLC for traffic signal equipment to be purchased on an ?as needed
basis?.
A Resolution (319-14) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with
SiteMed North America, LLC for medical evaluation services for the Columbus
Fire/EMS Department. Funds are budgeted each fiscal year for this ongoing
expense: General Fund - Fire/EMS Department.
A Resolution (320-14) - Authorizing the purchase of five (5) blade servers
and applicable software, from IBM/CPak Technology Solutions, in the amount of
$69,870.00, via Georgia Statewide Contract, SWC90813-02.
A Resolution (321-14) ? Authorizing the amendment to the annual contract
with Chester?s Barbecue (Columbus, GA) for Concessionaire Services for Parks &
Recreation Sports Facilities, to add Concessionaire Services at the Government
Center Complex.
A Resolution (322-14) ? Authorizing the purchase MRO Supplies from HD
Supply Facilities Maintenance, Ltd. (San Diego, CA) via contract number 11019,
adopted by U.S. Communities Governmental Purchasing Alliance (GPA). HD Supply
Facilities Maintenance, Ltd. will be utilized as an alternate source for MRO
supply purchases for various departments.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILORS HUFF MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (323-14) ? Authorizing the extension of the construction
management contract with Aaron & Clements, Inc. (Columbus, GA), formerly Newton
Aaron & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $5,600 plus out-of-pocket expenses,
for the remaining 1999 SPLOST expenditures for the Muscogee County Public
Library.
A Resolution (324-14) ? Authorizing the extension of the contract with
Batson-Cook Company (West Point, GA) for additional construction services and
FF&E for the Muscogee County Public Library. Batson-Cook Company will perform
construction and purchasing activities in the amount of $218,421.00.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (325-14) ? Authorizing the extension of the contract with
Brodart Books and Library Services (Williamsport PA) for additional books and
other media for the Muscogee County Public Library in the amount of $29914.17.
Councilor Henderson moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
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RECYCLING PROGRAM UPDATE:
REVENUE REPORT:
Director of Public Works, Pat Biegler gave a presentation regarding the
Recycling program within her department and the following information was
provided in that report.
PERCENT RECYCLING:
FY Total Garbage Recycling Tons
Tons
58,003 2172 3.75%
59,599 2072 3.47%
(8) 56,595 3105 5.48%
(3) 14,323 952 6.65%
Goal is 40%
GOOD NEWS:
Pine Grove Life Expectancy
FY13 28.7 years
FY14 32.3 years
Due to better compaction and increased recycling
Construction and Demolition Life Expectancy
FY13 9.6 years
FY14 12.3 years
Due to increased compaction and lower volumes
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart came forward and introduced Ms. Sarah
Visser-with the Keep Georgia Beautiful Agency, who spoke briefly
regarding the structure of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Agenda and what they
consider to be a health beautification agency.
Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart then made a presentation regarding Keep
Columbus Beautiful Commission and outlined in her presentation the
various programs and projects that the Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission does within our community, as highlighted below.
OUR MISSION:
To engage and educate individuals to take greater responsibility for
enhancing beautification, for protecting the environment, and eliminating
litter and blight.
Collected and Shredded 22,000 pounds of paper for the Second Annual Earth Day
Personal Paper Shredding Project
Diverted almost 23,000 pairs of shoes from our landfill & raised $8,000
Diverted approximately 200 Christmas Trees from our landfill
Help the Hooch Cleanup!
8,952 volunteers collected more than 178,000 pounds of trash
Household Hazardous Waste
Saturday, October 4, 2014 9am-1pm
Over-the-Counter & Prescription Drug Collection
(2) Projects collected 913 pounds of Drugs
with 535 participants
Director of the Department of Public Works then came forward and made
the following presentation with regards to the proposed structure for the
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission that they are proposing for the
Council?s approval.
PROPOSED STRUCTURE:
KCBC will remain as an authority with board
Will keep non-profit status
Funds raised for specific programs will remain in KCBC account
Executive Director will become Public Works Division Chief
CURRENT FINANCIALS:
General Fund Subsidy $49,854
Total Salaries $94,843
Shortfall $44,843
To Come From Integrated Waste Fund/ Recycling Revenues
City Already Covers Benefits and Retirement
RECYLING REVENUES FY 15:
Budgeted $525 K
Current Projection $650K- 800K
Short Fall $44,843
Sufficient Funds are available to cover this shortfall
FORT BENNING:
Agreement was drafted between
Ft. Benning and CCG
Some questions have been raised
We were asked to modify the draft agreement to include the housing
contractor/owner
Those modifications are still in the review process after several meetings
Ft. Benning ordering carts
We will begin pickup once trucks are available and carts are delivered
Brochure will be delivered with carts
CARTS:
14,600 have been put out
41,900 still need carts
Additionally, need carts for
Small businesses
Some apartment complexes
Schools
City facilities
Approximately 5,000 more
Cost $2.25 million
This years budget for carts is $120,000
Buys 2,500 carts
Citizens have been asking to buy carts
Neighborhood groups have offered to help with delivery
Brochure available on how
Will get information on CCG TV also
UPDATES:
Drop Off Points For Electronics Are Now Available At Sacerdote Lane And The
Recycle Center
Drop Off Points Are Being Utilized Heavily. We Are Emptying All 4 At Least
Once Per Day
Because Of The Number Of Requests, Granite Bluff Is Now Open The First Saturday
Of Each Month From 9 Am ? 12 Pm
After the conclusion of her presentation, Ms. Biegler then responded to
questions of members of the Council, with several referrals being made by
the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Director Biegler to get in contact with Crime
Prevention Director, Seth Brown, to get the information on the option of cart
purchases out to neighborhood associations.
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Note: Councilor Henderson left the meeting at 12:09 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING ANALYSIS:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward and gave a brief update on
the analysis of how often the City Council has been meeting since the meeting
scheduled was changed. She then provided the following information during her
presentation, as outlined below.
CURRENT MEETING STRUCTURE:
MEETING DATE TYPE MEETING
1st Tuesday
Proclamation Meeting Pro
2nd Tuesday Regular
Business Meeting
3rd Tuesday No Meeting
4th Tuesday Regular
Business Meeting
5th Tuesday Worksession
LENGTH OF COUNCIL MEETINGS:
2008 Analysis:
Held a total of 45 Meetings
Length of meetings range from 40 minutes to 4 hours and 52 minutes.
Average length of meetings: 2 Hours 35 Minutes
21 Executive Sessions: 8 Hours 46 Minutes
2013 Analysis:
Held a total of 30 Meetings
Length of meetings range from 1 hour 40 minutes to 6 hours and 57 minutes.
Average length of meetings: 3 Hours 13 Minutes
38 Minutes more per meeting than in 2008
14 Executive Sessions: 5 Hours 27 Minutes
SPECIAL CALLED MEETINGS:
Between June 2011 and June 2014: 14 Meetings
2011 2012 2013
2014
Meetings Held 1 6
3 4
Council Absences 2 7
9 10
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control Advisory Board.
(2) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Land Bank Authority.
(3) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Public Safety Advisory
Commission.
(4) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Uptown Fa?ade Board.
(5) Financial Audit and Compliance Report for the Columbus Department of Public
Health for the year ending June 30, 2014.
(6) Biographical sketch of Mr. Don Cook, Councilor Allen?s nominee for the
Community Development Advisory Council.
(7) Biographical sketch of Ms. Rebecca ?Becca? Covington, Councilor Henderson?s
nominee for the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
(8) Biographical sketches of individuals interested in serving on the Personnel
Review Board.
(9) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 block of
Broadway, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and northbound parking spaces from
midblock to 11th Street, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in connection with the
?Uptown Fall Concert Series?, on the following dates:
Friday, October 10, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
(10) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue (from 10th
Street to 11th Street, Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m., in connection with the Zombie Run?.
(11) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100 block of
Broadway and 11th Street (from Front Avenue to Broadway), Saturday,
October 25, 2014, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in connection with the
?Uptown Wounded Warrior 5K/10K?.
(12) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 900 block of
Broadway, Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in
connection with the ?Uptown Walk for One?.
(13) Application of John Lee to temporarily close 5th Avenue (from 6th Street
to 7th Street), Friday, October 31, 2014, and Saturday, November 1, 2014, from
9:00 a.m. to midnight, in connection with the Modern Free Masons ?97th
Anniversary Festival?.
(14) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue (from 10th
Street to 11th Street), Friday, October 31, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
in connection with the ?Uptown Spooktacular?.
(15) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100
block of Broadway, Friday, October 31, 2014, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m., in connection with the ?Uptown Big Dog Howl?.
(16) Application of Alana Magee to temporarily close the Dillingham Street
Bridge, Sunday, November 2, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in connection
with The Banquet on the Bridge ?Community Potluck?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLANED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR BAKER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE AND COUNCILORS HUFF AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:
_
A Resolution (326-14) - Excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the September
23, 2014, Council Meeting.
A Resolution (327-14) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the
September 30, 2014, Council Meeting.
A Resolution (328-14) - Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the September
30, 2014, Council Meeting.
A Resolution (329-14) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel from the
October 14, 2014, Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Ms.
Becca Hardin, resigning from her position on the Columbus Convention and Trade
Center Authority.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to receive the resignation with
regrets and to thank her for her service. Seconded by Councilor Baker and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Ms.
Kathryne Delffs, resigning from her position on the Personnel Review Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that the resignation be received
with regrets and to thank her for her service. Seconded by Councilor Baker and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, 32-14, 33-14 & 34-14.
Board of Water Commissioners, August 11, 2014.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, September 23, 2014.
Columbus Iron Works & Trade Center, August 28, 2014.
Family & Children Services, August 13, 2014.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, August 26, 2014.
Housing Authority of Columbus, June 18 & August 20, 2014.
Pension Fund, Employees? Board of Trustees, April 9, May 7, & June 4,
2014.
Recreation Advisory Board, September 24, 2014.
Taxicab Commission, October 2, 2014.
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this
vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COLUMBUS IRON WORKS CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER
AUTHORITY:________________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Robert Nobles on the Columbus Iron Works Convention & Trade Center will expire
on October 24, 2014 and that he is eligible to succeed himself for another term
of office. She further pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson has nominated Mr.
Nobles for another term of office and that he may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to confirm Mr. Nobles. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at
the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors
Huff and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Chuck H. McDaniel, III on the Community Development Advisory Council has
expired and that he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office. She further pointed out that Councilor Baker is working on a
replacement for this seat.
She further pointed out that Ms. Gloria Enfinger, who represents Council
District 6 does not wish to serve again and that Councilor Allen is nominating
Mr. Don Cook to succeed Ms. Enfinger and that he may be confirmed. Councilor
Woodson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously
by those six members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and
Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel being
absent from the meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Ms. Clementine Cochran,
who serves as Council District 10 representative is not eligible to succeed
herself for another term of office and that Councilor Henderson will need to
nominate someone to fill this seat.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Ms. Vanessa Lewis, who serves on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission and
represented Council District 1 has expired. She further pointed out that she is
not eligible to succeed herself and that Councilor Barnes needs to nominate
someone to fill this seat.
She also pointed out that Ms. Rebecca Bassett and Dr. Billy Kendall who
both serves in an at-large position terms has also expired. She further pointed
out that Ms. Bassett does not wish to serve again and Councilor Henderson has
nominated Ms. Rebecca Covington to succeed Ms. Bassett and that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors Huff
and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington said that we still need someone to fill
Dr. Kendall?s position, as he is not eligible to succeed himself for another
term of office.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the terms of office of Mr. Cliff
Brinson and Mr. Roger Williams on the Personnel Review Board has expired and
they are not eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.
She further pointed out that the terms of office of Ms. Gladys
Williams-Tillmon and Ms. Jennifer Melvin has also expired and they are both
eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then re-nominated Ms. Williams-Tillmon and Ms. Melvin for another term of
office.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the terms of office of
Mr. Michael Greenblatt and Mr. Wallace Davis on the Planning Advisory
Commission has expired, but they are both eligible to succeed themselves for
another term of office. Councilor Woodson said she would nominate them for
another term of office, if they wanted to serve again. She then asked Clerk of
Council Washington to contact each of them to determine if they wanted to serve
another term of office on the board.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Toni Fogle has resigned
from her seat on the Public Safety Advisory Council and further advises that
this is Councilor Davis? nominee. There was no nomination.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. John Adams, who serves as a taxicab owner representative, Ms. Amy Askew
Bryan , who represents the Chamber of Commerce and Sergeant Chris Anderson, who
represents the Columbus Police Department has expired, but they are all
eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.
Councilor Woodson said she would nominate them for another term of office,
if they wanted to serve again. She then asked Clerk of Council Washington to
contact each of them to determine if they wanted to serve another term of
office on the board.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay, Councilor Allen made a
motion to allow the Council to go into executive session to discuss a
litigation matter. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting, with the time of adjournment being 1:36 p.m.
At 2:04p.m. the regular meeting was called back to order at which time
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss litigation, but no action was taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Barnes so moved.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent
for this vote and Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent from this meeting,
with the time of adjournment being 2:05 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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