MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 6, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 6, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor, and
Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor W. J. Wetherington, Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Evelyn Turner Pugh, were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker,
Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Berry H. ?Skip? Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles
E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council
Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Glenn Davis was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Mark Magoni Midland United Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by members of Boy Scout Troop 169, along with their
Scout Master, Mr. Robert W. Brown.
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Mayor Wetherington said be would like to take this opportunity to commend
our public safety personnel, as well as General Government employees for the
good work that they did this weekend.
He said this has been a tragic weekend for many of us in Columbus, as you
are well aware of, we had a tornado that came through the north end of our city
around 6:24 p.m. Thursday evening. He said it was really bad for a lot of
people; however, he is glad to report that there were no major injuries or no
death as a result of this tornado.
Mayor Wetherington said he has received numerous compliments on behalf of
our Public Safety personnel and Mr. Rufus Riggs and the Public Services
Department in the way these employees have responded. He said there was a
command center that was setup on Veterans Parkway shortly after the tornado. He
said all our public safety personnel, public services, as well as all the
utility organizations responded perfectly and his hats are off to all of those
people, and to the residents that were hit so. He said the residents responded
by pitching in and helping their neighbors, to try to get them homes back in
order.
Councilor Anthony then read a press release from the Governor?s Office
that was received this afternoon, pointing out that President Bush has approved
Federal Disaster Declaration for all nine counties that Governor Perdue
requested aid for, as a result of the severe weather that hit southwest
Georgia, which includes Baker, Clay, Crawford, McDuffie, Mitchell, Muscogee,
Stewart, Sumter and Taylor counties will be able to receive federal funds to
help offset the cost of the initial emergency respond, debris removal and
restoration of the communities.
He said the President is also considering whether to declare our counties
available for residential and business loses not yet compensated by insurance;
low interest loans which is pending for us. He said some other counties have
already done so.
Councilor Anthony said this is remarkable in that within five days we have
that declaration. He said he thinks that is attributed to our Mayor, who
quickly responded.
City Manager Hugley then gave a very detailed report of the update of the
storm and the events that took place on last Thursday evening. He said the
storm hit hard in certain areas of our city, which includes Green Island Hills,
Autumn Ridge, Doerun, Peppertree, and Cardinal Landing.
He pointed out that our Public Safety personnel have been in these areas
and will continue to remain in these areas until residents and businesses have
properly secured their property. He said our public safety personnel would
also continue to provide close patrol of the areas even after the property has
been properly secured.
After City Manager Hugley then spent some twenty minutes outlining further
details from the storm, highlighting the number of telephone calls that came
into our 911 Center, as well as the number of calls that our Citizens Service
Center- 311 received for non-emergency calls, and those number of persons that
were evacuated by our Metra transportation from local hotels that received
damaged and those numbers that were transported to hospitals that evening.
He said we have City departments who are compiling man-hours to capture
all of our personnel cost, equipment cost, as well as debris removal cost for
possible reimbursement.
City Manager Hugley also pointed out that the Mayor has declared a
moratorium on tree removal from curbside for all of our citizens for a
two-period, through March 16th. He said our residents could dump at the
landfill at no cost during this time period.
He said he would like to join the Mayor in commending our Public safety
personnel, as well as the General Government employees for a job well done. He
said we have received an outpouring of support from Federal, State, local and
non-profit organizations, as well as private companies, and individuals just
wanting to help.
Councilor McDaniel said he thinks it?s going to take more than a two-week
moratorium to clean up all the debris and said he thinks we need to at least
give them one month.
Mayor Wetherington said we will do an assessment after the 2-week period
and if we need to extend it further, we can do it at that time.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views on this storm
and the affect it has had on our community.
Mr. Riley Land, of the Emergency Management Department then came forward
and said he would also like to thank the Council, as well as the City
leadership. He said as recent as this February he came before the Council to
receive a proclamation recognizing severe weather awareness week. He said the
efforts of the Council has focused on brining the public?s awareness level up,
as well as bringing our educational level up within the citizens and community.
He said he attributes to probably saving some lives during this event. He said
the stories they are hearing is that the citizens heard the outdoor warning
sirens that sounded and the radio and television warnings and didn?t hesitate,
but immediately took action.
He said from the very outset of this event, they were receiving offers for
mutual aids from Harris County, Russell County, Lee County, and the surrounding
areas.
Mr. Riley then showed several pictures of the damaged areas throughout the
City of Columbus.
City Manager Hugley said we are not normally opened at the landfill n
Sunday, but said on this Sunday they will be opened at the landfill from
9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. He said Director of Public Services Rufus Riggs has asked
that we allow tree companies to dump for the next two weeks or during the
period of the moratorium at the landfill at no cost if they are not on our
cut-off.
He said if they are on the cut-off list where they have not made payment
arrangements with the City then they still would not be able to dump in the
landfill and we will turn them around at the gate. He said if they are not on
the list and are in good standing with the City we are asking that they be
allowed to dump at no cost during that period of the moratorium.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she doesn?t have a problem with that, but
said she wants to make sure that we talk to those tree companies that?s doing
the cutting and bring it to the landfill free of charge that they give the
citizens a reduced rate because they couldn?t include in that in the price of
cutting down and etc.
City Manager Hugley said what Director Riggs wants to do is to issue a
free dump pass through the period of moratorium and said that we can certainly
communicate that to them when we issue them to the free dump pass that they
should not be charging of gouging our residents as we are waiving the dump fee
for them.
SALUTE TO EDUCAITON GALA:
Mr. Dale Williams, General Chairpersons of the 2nd Annual Columbus,
Georgia?s ?Salute to Education Gala? came forward and spent some fifteen
minutes in sharing some background information about the United Negro College
Fund and their purpose for the 2007Campaign.
Ms. Trena Trice, UNCF Campaign Coordinator for the 2007 Campaign, said
they are here tonight is to invoke a special plea to you to please be in
attendance at the United Negro College Fund Gala this year because as the
United Negro College Fund Executive Committee sought to recognize Keepers of
the Flame in our Columbus Community, the light must have shown really brightly
at the Columbus Consolidated Government.
She said this year the Keepers of the Flame Award, which is bestowed upon
those who are beacons of light and shinning examples of civic promise and
community pride for African American youths; they support the United Negro
College Fund?s mission of hope, opportunity, educational excellence, and
believe that a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Ms. Trice said when they decided who would be honored in Columbus, Georgia
two of your very own came up in that selection. She said Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh and City Manager Isaiah along with his wife State Representative
Carolyn Hugley would receive the Keepers of the Flame Awards. She said on last
week they sent invitations to the Mayor & Council to attend this event and said
they want you to attend this event.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH?:
With Ms. Sharon Lyon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross
standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of
Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming the month of March 2007 as ?American
Red Cross Month? in Columbus, Georgia .
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH THE FAMILY OF FORMER CLERK OF COUNCIL
LEMUEL H. MILLER, JR., STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN Its ENTIRETY
BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (88-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Lemuel
H. Miller, Jr., former Clerk of Council for Columbus, Georgia who died on
February 1, 2007. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by
those members of Council present standing to cast their affirmative vote.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. MILTON LOCKETT AND MEMBERS OF THE
COLUMBUS AGAINST DURGS (CAD) STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ
IN IT?S ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________
A Resolution (89-07) - Commending and congratulating Milton Lockett,
President of Columbus Against Drugs (CAD), and his volunteers upon working for
15 years in Columbus neighborhoods to form Anti-Drug groups. Councilor Woodson
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
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WITH DYLAN WILLIAMS AND DR. JORDAN, ASSISTANT
PRINCIPAL OF MIDLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ
IN IT?S ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________
A Resolution (90-07) - Commending and congratulating Dylan Williams, a
Midland Middle School eighth-grader, upon recently winning the District 6
Spelling Bee held in Perry, Georgia. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN IT?S
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (91-07) - Commending and congratulating Nick Burks, wrestler
with Hardaway High School upon winning his first GHSA State Wrestling
Championship on February 17, 2007.
Councilor Hunter pointed out that in addition to being an outstanding
wrestler, he is also an outstanding hurdler, as he is a member of the Hardaway
High School Track team and because of that, he is unable to be present here
tonight. He said we would forward the resolution on to Nick.
Councilor Hunter then moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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WITH DEPUTY CITY MANAGER LISA GOODWIN, DANA
WEILER AND CAMMIE CURRY OF THE PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT AND HAROLD BRYANT AND TOM WYATT OF
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN IT?S
ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________
A Resolution (92-07) - Commending and congratulating Cammie Curry,
Assistant Director and Dana Weiler of the Columbus Department of Parks and
Recreation and Lisa Goodwin, Deputy City Manager, upon winning a spot in the
Columbus ?100 Best Communities for Young People? competition sponsored by
America?s Promise Alliance. Councilor 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like for the City Manager to
make sure that we get the logo of the 100 Best Communities for Young People
designation to the Convention & Visitors Bureau for them to use on all their
literature.
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MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Minutes of the January 30, 2007 Council Meeting
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and seconded by Councilor McDaniel, which carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHOSE FIRST READING WAS DELAYED FROM THE FEBRUARY
20, 2007 WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND A PUBLIC HEARING HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_______________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located north of Susan Lane, south and
west of Glenview Drive is proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Family
3) District to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 2) District. (1-D-07-Welch)
PROPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Bubble Welch did not respond when asked if the
petitioner was present.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. Jeffery A. Nix, 5443 Susan Lane said he had previously submitted a
letter to the Chief of Planning Division regarding his opposition to this
rezoning matter. He said there are several issues involved, which includes
poor drainage, as well as a natural underground spring right behind his house
as well as other parts of the property. He said he has lived in the area
off/on since 1967.
He said if apartments were put up in this area, there would be a real
serious traffic issue where the street will not be able to handle that traffic.
He said there are already at least four different apartment complexes within
two miles radius of his home and said he doesn?t think this area needs any
more apartment complexes in the area. He said he would not object at all to
patio homes or single-family residential homes, but said if you bring in more
apartments, there will be more traffic.
Mr. Nix said you don?t want to bring in a client like the people that
visits the place. He said when you have people visiting apartment complexes,
you have a high crime rate, as well as trash and debris being thrown in the
area.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said as the Councilor for that area, she has to
agree wholeheartedly as she expressed her concerns when this came before the
Council during its first public hearing when the applicant was present and
asked for an extension. She said we don?t need apartments, as we have
single-family dwellings and she thinks that it needs to stay that way.
Councilor Henderson said he agrees wholeheartedly, as he thinks it?s the
wrong place for that type of zoning, and sets a bad precedent.
Councilor Anthony then asked the Planning Division, if that was the reason
for their denial, to which Mr. Rick Jones said, it was.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be
heard on this, but there was no one who indicated that they wanted to be heard.
He then declared this public hearing has been heard and that the vote will be
taken at next week?s Council meeting.
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RESOLUTIONS FOR HARDAWAY, JORDAN & KENDRICK HIGH
SCHOOL:___________________________________________
Councilor Hunter asked City Attorney Fay to prepare a resolution from the
Council congratulating Hardaway, Jordan & Kendrick High Schools for advancing
to the final four in the High School Basketball Championship.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. HAROLD BRYANT, REPRESENTING THE GREATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, RE:
INTRODUCTION OF NEW CHAMBER ASSOCIATE, MR. TOM WYATT:____________________
Mr. Harold Bryant, representing the Greater Chamber of Commerce came
forward to introduce the Chamber of Commerce?s new Associate, Mr. Tom Wyatt. He
said Mr. Wyatt graduated from the University of Georgia and had been serving
with the Athens Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Community Development,
as well as their Governmental Affairs Program.
He said Mr. Wyatt will serve as Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs at
the Chamber of Commerce and will be directly involved in Governmental Programs,
which includes the environment, transportation, healthcare, as well as the
riverfront. He said they hope to see some big things from the riverfront
coming up later this year.
Mr. Bryant said he would also be involved in the Small Business
Development area, including the Business One Stop Shop, the Black Business
Outreach, as well as the Hispanic Business Outreach and the Entrepreneur
Friendly Community.
Mr. Wyatt said he is delighted to have this opportunity to work with the
people here in Columbus, as Columbus is a great place and there are some
wonderful things going on. He said Athens is a great place, but said it is
always interesting when you move from town to town to compare and contrast
those differences, strong points and challenges for the current community
looks forward to working with the Mayor & Council and the citizens of Columbus.
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MR. DENNIS ROADEN & MS. SUSAN WIECZOREK, RE: THE
HOMELESS:_________________________________________________
Mr. Dennis Roaden said he and Ms. Wieczorek operate Our Lady of Rose Hill
Ministries, Inc. and said they were here before the Council a few weeks ago and
brought a proposal before concerning the homeless situation in Columbus,
Georgia. He said they spoke on what they have seen in the area and what they
do.
He said their whole purpose is to take the gospel to those who are in
need. He said they try to follow Jesus? teachings of making disciples of all
nations. He said they gave you a proposal concerning a program that they feel
is needed in Columbus, Georgia or any city of our size or larger. He said
you?ll ask us to go visit some people and they did. He said Ms. Wieczorek is
going to give you some feedback of what they found in their investigation over
the last several weeks.
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NOTE: Mayor Wetherington left at this point in the proceedings, with the
time being 6:55 p.m.
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Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that Mayor Wetherington?s wife is in
the hospital and he has left a little early tonight to go visit with her.
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Ms. Susan Wieczorek said Mayor Wetherington and Councilor Woodson asked
her to follow up with some local people and she has done that; therefore, she
is back here tonight to report on that. She said with all of the devastation,
what must it feel like to be in a tent under a bridge hoping you tent hold onto
the mattress that someone dropped off there, that they pegged their tent to.
She said she asked some of those homeless individuals if they were afraid and
their response was that they wouldn?t loose much, if they lost that. She said
she give thanks that no one was hurt, and none of the homeless individuals was
hurt either.
She said when they were here before the Council last time, Mayor
Wetherington has asked her to check with the House of Mercy, Valley Rescue
Mission and the Salvation Army and find out what it would take for them to
build onto their current facility, and expand the services that they are
currently providing, which she did that.
Ms. Wieczorek then spent some ten minutes or more in outlining the
responses that she received from each of those organizations that she meet
with as requested by Mayor Wetherington.
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NOTE: City Attorney Fay left the meeting at this point in the
proceedings with the time being 7:00 p.m., and Assistant City Jamie Deloach
took his seat at the Council table.
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She said with their Saturday feedings in the park they are feeding as many
50 ? 60 people, which is a blessings and gives them great pleasure to cook
those meals and take them out to them.
Ms. Wieczorek said there are a few things that concern her as a nurse
pratictioner. She said on several different occasions they have had some
individuals who were operating in a delusional system, a fixed delusional
system and they could not redirect them and they were out of control. She said
what they are finding in cities all over the country, is that with early
release programs from mental health facilities and halfway houses, possible
because of funding cutbacks, the folks who are mentally ill are put out into
the environment without all of the survival skills that are necessary for them
to thrive there. She said they have transported several of these individuals to
the hospital on several Saturdays. She said there are new persons showing up
in the park every single week.
After Ms. Wieczorek concluded her presentation and the information , she
then responded to several questions of members of the Council, and after more
than fifteen minutes of discussion on this subject, this matter was concluded
with additional information being requested
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said since the Mayor had to leave, one of the
things they would ask Ms. Wieczorek to do, is the report that the Mayor had
asked for, that she provide it to him in writing. She said she doesn?t know
what his intentions are and she would not dare speak for him, but if you could
get it to his office, she is sure that whatever wants to sit down and talk with
him could make an appointment with the staff.
She said one of the things that we have to realize about homelessness is
that numbers change almost everyday, and as it relates to the mental health
issues, she thinks that Ms. Wieczorek needs to talk with Mr. Perry Alexander
who is over New Horizons, which is a State Agency and is State funded. She
said she knows that they have all had cuts, as we have had in City Government,
but said New Horizons, MH MR, SA maintain those funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said as it relates to some of the homeless
issues with the Homeless Task Force, asked Ms. Wieczorek if they have meet with
Ms. Dillard, to talk with the homeless issues.
Mr. Roaden said he has met with Ms. Elizabeth Dillard this last week and
said he has found her office to be overload, overworked and stressed out.
He said there is a desperate need of a program by this government.
He said they understood that by what they are looking at is here, and the
City Government doing something for its people, over and above what we are
already doing, which is sending them to agencies.
Councilor Woodson said she recalled going to look at a situation downtown
and Ms. Dillard had mentioned to them a program and some things that were
available and she was under the impression that she was going to put together a
presentation and meet back with the City Manager and Council to determine what
we could do to assist her with the program that they were in charge of. She
said she did email us information as it relates to grant funding that was
available for veterans.
She said that she would stress to Mr. Roaden and Ms. Ms. Wieczorek to work
closely with Ms. Dillard as she already have a relationship with the State &
Federal Government, as well as has local contacts. She said she would ask Ms.
Dillard to put a presentation together and get with the City Manager and then
bring something soon back to the Council to see what we can do or what other
directions we can take.
Councilor Henderson said he that that what Mr. Roaden and Ms. Wieczorek
and their ministry is doing, this is exactly what is needed to fight some of
the human issues that we deal with in this community. He said expending your
resources and time coming to the government and asking for some type of
structural situation to this problem; simply because of the budgetary
constraints that we operate under each year and the prioritization and fretting
and analytical process that we go through trying to make what we have spread
across some many worthwhile projects, said we will do whatever we can to
address this problem through a variety of avenues; however, it will never be
enough.
He said he would ask them not to get discouraged and he would hope that
they continue to fight this fight with your ministry, as it is a worthwhile
ministry; but just being very realistic as we approach the budget session,? he
would like to see you present your proposal and show us what you think you need
and maybe we can work together to try to tell you what the government can do
and you look elsewhere for the majority of the funding.
Councilor Henderson said to look for the government to purchase the
building, such as Baker High School, which he thinks is great thinking on your
part, however, he doesn?t see that happening. He said a lot of the other things
that you talked about spending money on, many of those things went before the
people of the community on a ballot to vote for on a sales tax. He said some of
the recreational centers, a lot of the bricks and mortar that house so many of
these projects, those went before the people and was voted on and the money can
be used only for those things. He said he thinks that you are going to be
disappointed if you continue to look to the government to provide the ultimate
solution.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCLOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BARNES, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
__________________________________________________
A Resolution (93-07) ? Authorizing the execution of a City Right of Way
Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) for a County
Contract to construct a new road for development off of Chattsworth Road in
support of an Economic Development Project.
A Resolution (94-07) ? Authorizing the Mayor to or City Manager to
submit an application for, and if approved accept a grant in the amount of
$1,778,345, or otherwise awarded, from the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for FY-2008
capital, planning and operations under Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5307 and to
contract with FTA and GDOT on behalf of the City should the application
receive approval.
A Resolution (95-07) ? Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to submit an application for, and if awarded, accept a grant in the amount of
$66,232, or otherwise awarded, from the Department of Transportation, United
States of America, and Georgia Department of Transportation, under Title 49
U.S.C., Section 5303.
A Resolution (96-07) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Columbus Department of Public Health
to provide lead-based paint testing and risk assessment for the Columbus
Consolidated Government?s Home programs as required by the lead safe housing
rule.
A Resolution (97-07) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved accept a Hazardous Waste Trust Fund Grant from the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to help fund the closure of the "Camp
Landfill" as required under the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management and
stabilize the riverbank protecting the waters of the Chattahoochee River.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (98-07) ? Approving a one-year extension of the auditing
services contract with Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLP for the estimated
contract value of $113,080. Council approved the current contract with
Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLP on May 8, 2001 (Resolution No. 235-01).
Extending the contract will allow the firm to follow through the most recent
audit as the City works to clear up collection issues with landfill, ambulance,
etc. In addition, under this extension Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLP,
will be required to complete the audit for FY2007 and any additional services.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF
DISCUSSON: ____________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the amended agreement to extend the contract
for ten (10) years with Aramark for food and beverage services at South
Commons, excluding the softball complex; and accepts a grant from Aramark in
the amount of $250,000. Council approved the contract with Fine Host
Corporation on May 21, 2002 (Res. No. 316-02). Aramark, who assumed all
services previously provided by Fine Host, acquired fine Host. City Council
approved Aramark?s assumption of the contract on February 18, 2003 (Res. No.
83-03). The contract was awarded for five years, with an option to renew for
four additional years. On October 23, 2006, Aramark submitted a letter with an
offer to amend the contract to extend for a period of ten (10) years, beginning
July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2017. In consideration of the right to this
amendment, Aramark shall pay the City a grant in the amount of Two Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) to be used to upgrade and purchase equipment
for the concession stands at South Commons, excluding the Softball Complex.
Aramark shall amortize the new investment on a straight-line basis over a
period of ten (10) years. The contractor shall notify the city of all proposed
price increases during the Term. In the event the city objects to any price
increases proposed by contractor and the parties are unable to reach agreement
as to the price, a minimum average annual increase of 5% shall be allowed for
both concessions and catering services.
A Resolution ? Authorizing Department, via Georgia State Contract, SWC
S-050483, from Allan Vigil Ford, (Morrow, GA) in the amount of $15,761.00. The
van is an additional unit that will be used by the Junior Marshal Program of
the Marshal?s Office.
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CONTROLLED BURNING AT FORT BENNING:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said on last week in addition to the tornados
before that happened, residents in Southeast Columbus was hit with smoke from
controlled burning at Fort Benning. She said she and City Manager Hugley talked
with the Garrison Commander?s Office at Fort Benning.
City Manager Hugley said they did talk to Garrison Commander Chuck Walls
on last week after a controlled burning that got out of control. He said in
past years, they had always been notified by Fort Benning when they were going
to have a controlled burning; however, for some reason this time we were not
notified. He said they have fixed that problem as they have talked with the
Garrison Commander.
He said Fort Benning is approximately 180,000 acres and there is 90,000
acres that they usually burn; which they normally burn one-third of the 90,000
acres on an annual basis. He said they try to do all of their controlled
burning prior to May 31st each year. He said they notified us on today that
they would be having a controlled burning.
City Manager Hugley said on last week when they had the burn, we were not
notified and they had predicted which way the wind was going to blow and
somehow, it was they miscalculated. He said it got out into southeast Columbus
and got into some of the homes in the area, which caused some smoke detectors
to go off. He said we received numerous of telephone calls to Fire/EMS, which
they responded to those calls to assist where they could. He said we don?t
believe there was any life threatening situation, but there was one or two
persons who might have went to the emergency room for cure because of smoke.
He said we have corrected that problem.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said Dawson Elementary School had to close.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: _______
(1) GMA?s 2007 Legislative Alert, No. 6, February 23, 2007.
(2) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 15, Number 6.
(3) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 17, Number 7.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Historic &
Architectural Review.
(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Zoning Appeals.
(6) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Building Contractors
Examining Board.
(7) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Civic Center Advisory
Board.
(8) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Cooperative Extension.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Justin Smith
requesting that a public hearing be called on his rezoning petition for
property located at 3855 & 3884 Warm Springs Road that was recommended for
denial by the Planning Department. (7-D-07-Smith)
Councilor McDaniel called for the ordinance and public hearing on this
petition.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR A REFUND:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Tony Schilens, Senior
Tax Manager of PowerTel Atlanta Inc., Re: PowerTel Atlanta, Inc. (dba T-Mobile
USA) Refund Claim.
She said City Attorney Fay would be responding to Mr. Schilens regarding
this refund request and Council does not need to take action on this request.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Rick Jones requesting
that the seat of Mr. Bob Crane on the Planning Advisory Commission be declared
vacant dues to the lack of attendance. Councilor Allen then moved the seat be
declared vacant. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for this vote and Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 07-07 & 08-07.
Board of Water Commissioners, November 13, 2006.
Board of Water Commissioners, December 11, 2006.
Columbus Board of Health, January 24, 2007.
Columbus Golf Authority, January 23, 2007.
Development Authority, March 2, 2006.
Development Authority, April 13, 2006.
Development Authority, May 4, 2006.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, February 7, 2007.
Hospital Authority, January 30, 2007
Housing Authority, December 20, 2006.
Housing Authority, January 2, 2007.
Councilor Allen made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINACNE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:__________________________
Petition submitted by Place Properties to rezone approximately 8.251 acres
of property located at 3801 South Lumpkin Road from GC (General Commercial) /
HMI (Heavy Manufacturing / Industrial) to RO (Residential-Office).
(Recommended for approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and conditional
approval by the Planning Department.) (9-CA-07-Place Properties)
*** *** ***
T-MOBILE REFUND REQUEST:
Regarding this request for a refund, Assistant City Jamie Deloach said
she has in her notes, she has a statue O.C.G.A., 48-5-580 which says that the
Governing Authority shall approve or disapprove the taxpayers claim; so,
she does need a vote on the letter from Powertel and the City Attorney
recommends that the Council deny the claim.
City Manager Hugley said we have requested that the City Attorney respond
to this request and then asked Assistant City Attorney Deloach if she is asking
for action on this letter.
Assistant City Attorney Deloach said the Georgia Code requires that the
Council either approves or disapproves and said her office is recommending
that you disapprove. She said there are several legal reasons for
disapproving this claim, but we do need that action from the Council.
City Manager Hugley then went into further details in explaining this
matter. Several members of the Council then asked for additional
information regarding this matter as outlined below.
Councilor Baker asked that the City Attorney staff to provide
clarification as to the law on collecting the E-911 charge on prepaid cellular
telephones.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said when the staff to come back on next week
and be prepared to answer questions regarding this issue and also provide this
clarification in writing to the Council.
Councilor Hunter said he would like for the City Attorney staff to provide
a memorandum to the Mayor & Council prior to next week?s Council meeting and
provide all the relevant issues, both pro and con, as to this matter.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
(Carmel Biggers) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Mayor?s Apptmt)
(Dennis Luby) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Donald C. Bowman) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Jim Buntin)
No longer a resident
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Thomas Beal)
No longer a resident
(Council?s Apptmt)
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):____________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Neil McCrillis term of office
has expired and that he is eligible to succeed himself and that Mr. Bill Walton
has resigned from his position and that Ms. ulie You and Mr. Duke Miller are
eligible, but does not desire reappointmenton the Commission on International
Relations and Cultural Liaison. She said the Council needs to nominate someone
to fill these seats.
Councilor Woodson asked Clerk of Council Washington to send a letter to
the Asian Pacific Alliance to determine if they are interested in submitting a
nominee for Ms. Julie You?s seat on C.I.R.C.L.E.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out we need three nominations for Mr.
Tom Gurr?s seat, as well as Ms. Mac Turgeon?s seat on the Hospital Authority,
but there were no nominations.
*** *** ***
RESOLUTION TO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Councilor Baker asked the City Attorney?s office staff to draft a
resolution to our Congressional Delegation requesting some assistance from HUD
with an issue, as far as a grant application with respect to funding for the
Stewart Community Home and House of Time.
*** ***
***
HOWE/BLAN STREET:
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to continue to work with the
Columbus Water Works and others to resolve the issue of a sinkhole on Howe/Blan
Street.
*** *** ***
AMBULANCE:
During the Council?s next Work Session, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we
need to have the staff to bring back a presentation and share with the Council
the arrangement that we have with the other ambulance companies who are
assisting us here in Columbus and let?s look at their prices and see how their
prices compare with ours.
*** *** ***
FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT AT THE CIVIC CENTER:
During the Council?s next Work Session, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we
needs to have a presentation of the food service contract that we have at the
Civic Center.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC AGENDA:
Councilor Anthony asked Clerk of Council Washington to provide information
to the concern citizen, as to the process of how to getting on the Council?s
Public Agenda.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone from the audience who had an issue
to come before the Council, they could be heard at this time.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 8:00 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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