MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 8, 2009
The regular monthly morning session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia
was called to order at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009, in the Council
Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia,
Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington was Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Councilors Wayne Anthony, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Berry
Henderson, III, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilors Glenn Davis and Evelyn Woodson took their seats at 9:05 a.m. and
9:07 a.m. respectively.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Joel Walker, Northstar Community Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Edgewood Elementary School accompanied by Ms.
Christie Bechdolt, 3rd Grade Teacher.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________________________
A Resolution (464-09) ? Commending Eric Gansauer upon successful
completion of
the ?Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist? examination. Councilor Henderson
called on Mr. Eric Gansauer to come forward. Upon reading the resolution,
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:________________________________________________
An Ordinance (09-60) ? Rezoning property located at 7590 Moon Road from an
SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning district to an RMF2 (Residential
Multi Family 2) zoning district. Councilor Allen moved the adoption. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-61) ? Providing a moratorium of one hundred and twenty
(120) days on filing applications for billboard and multi-message signs. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a district
located at 8385 Heiferhorn Way from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial)/SFR2
(Single Family residential 2) zoning district to an NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Sid Dykes, 8708 Heiferhorn Way came forward and stated he is
representing Williams and Whitesville Road Inc. in the development of this
property since Mr. Powell (the petitioner) had to be out of town today. He said
this piece of property is part of the Subdivision Timber Creek and because of
the frontage on Whitesville Road, we did not think it was suited for
residential. He said it adjoined an already existing Neighborhood Commercial
piece of property so it made sense to put that piece with the adjoining
property. Mr. Dykes said there is no access point to Heiferhorn Way - the only
access is Whitesville Road. He said we thought from prior zoning experience
until we had a definite use for the property to include engineering and
contract we did not have to come before Council with a zoning request ? not
having a use for the property at the time, that is why it remained not zoned to
Neighborhood Commercial for quite sometime. He said on September 21, 2009, Dr.
Wiley who would own and operate the facility sent out letters to the adjoining
neighbors in Timber Creek explaining what the location would be used for and
that there would be no outside boarding facilities whatsoever. The only case
that an animal might stay overnight is due to surgery or something of that
nature and that would be within the clinic itself. He said the outside area
that potentially would be used for exercise purposes would be fenced with a
privacy fence and dogs won?t be left out there unsupervised. He said a member
of the Planning Commission that recommended this to forgo lives in Timber Creek
and I have spoken to all my neighbors that had any interests or concerns and
explained what we were doing and they had no objections. He said Planning has
advised him that they (Planning) had just recently received a couple of
concerns. Mr. Dykes said Dr. Wiley is here today to answer any questions
Council may have.
Councilor Henderson asked Dr. Wiley to describe the operation of fenced-in
area referencing another Veterinarian where the dogs are doing exercises for
about ten minutes while on a leash. He said he wanted to make sure this isn?t
something that is going to be problematic to residents.
Dr. Wiley said for insurance and safety purposes no dogs would be left
unsupervised outdoor even with a fence. She said it is a safety concern since
dogs are known to climb and dig under fences. She said it?s a double safety
feature having dogs on a leash as well as having a fence. In response to
another question from Councilor Henderson, Dr. Wiley said the clean up of the
area would be daily. She said her current location is in Whitesville Crossing
Shopping Center and part of her lease agreement is that she could be evicted on
a moments notice if waste removal was not being up-kept as well as excessive
noise and other complaints. She said in 3 ? years there have been no complaints
and said for health reasons waste should be picked up everyday.
Dr. Wiley further stated that it is not possible to have boarding
facilities on that property because it has to be zoned GC and it also must be
five acres so it is not possible even if someone were to approach us, unless
zoning requirement changed, it would not happen. There would be no boarding.
Councilor Davis said a lot of the concerns he is hearing from people in
the surrounding area are about the expansion or the further movement of
commercial further out (south) of Whitesville Road. He said it does not
coordinate with what is already in the area ? residential property. He said he
has been trying to relay that message to citizens but there are valid concerns
out there. He then asked if the petitioner would be in agreement if this
concept plan were to be adopted as part of the ordinance and that right now the
property would be used for the use of an animal hospital and in the future if
there were another request for use, it would have to come back to Council for
approval. He said this is a safety mechanism for citizens in the area.
Mr. Dykes said from an owner standpoint, he would have no problem with
those changes. He said the site plan would need a little changing with regards
to parking and Dr. Wiley would have to address the use of the property since
she is the potential owner.
Councilor Davis pointed out that Dr. Wiley presented a concept plan. There
were some additional discussion with Councilor Davis and Mr. Dykes regarding
the architectural layout of the building as well as the parking lot.
Councilor Davis then asked Mr. Rick Jones, Planning Director if this were
to be adopted as part of the ordinance and would that restrict the petitioner
from making adjustments. Mr. Jones responded by saying it would not in the
sense that they would have to make some adjustments on what they have presented
since they are not engineering drawings. He said from what the intent of the
drawings indicate to us, we should be satisfied as well.
Upon the advice of City Attorney Fay, Councilor Davis then made a motion
to incorporate the site concept plan into the ordinance subject to final
approval by the city engineer along with the use of the property. City Attorney
Fay pointed out that the use should be limited to a veterinary office as stated
in the UDO. The motion was then seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Councilor Allen asked Dr. Wiley to talk about her plans for the buffer.
Dr. Wiley said her engineer has addressed that but he is not present today to
be more specific. She said he had plans for the required amount of trees for
the back of the property and she would like to add more trees than the minimum
that is required for shading and buffer purposes for the neighbors behind the
property. She said she debated whether or not to put another fence but is not
sure that would be less attractive since the neighbors backing up to the
property already have their own fence-line. She said it would be best to add
more trees for buffering.
In response to a comment from Councilor Allen, Mr. Dykes said there would
be a fence for the exercise area and not for the perimeter of the property but
the buffer will run the entire length of the property.
Councilor Woodson asked about other options with regards to the buffer.
She asked if the trees are the only option Dr. Wiley intended to go with, to
which Dr. Wiley said yes.
MR. RICHARD NUREMBERG ? 1330 Biggers Road said he is the owner of three
dogs and his concerns are for the general tone of the area that it remains
residential. He said Mr. Jones in his UDO comments said that the proposed NC is
consistent with current usages in the area but this is the only commercial
property except for one mile to the South on Whitesville Road, which is at
Double Churches Road and there are no commercial properties to the North. He
said he do not believe this is consistent with the current usage in the area
unless you consider the area to be Williams Road and if any of you go to that
intersection, you will see what the commercial usage of that corner property
has done to that area which for years has been a wonderful monument to our
Georgia Clay. He said that particular area has been clear-cut and there has
been no further development.
Mr. Nuremburg said what we are concerned with, is that this veterinary
clinic be designed so it doesn?t look like a store front operation but is more
consistent with an office building in a residential area and we would hope that
the owner would design the building that it look like office space and also if
possible, be restricted to professional office space as well as reaffirmation
by the Zoning Board and the City Council that the owner of the next piece of
property to the North of this cannot come to this body and say we want it zoned
commercial because it is consistent with the use of the adjoining property to
the South.
In response to Mr. Nuremburg?s comments, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed
out that there is property next door to the one being discussed on Whitesville
Road that is zoned commercial. After some additional discussion, Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh further pointed out that this Council cannot put restriction on
property already zoned for certain things.
Councilor Henderson said he understands where Mr. Nuremburg is coming from
because he lives not too far from the piece of property to be rezoned. He said
he is comfortable with the fact that this is where commercial development will
end.
City Attorney pointed out that there are two motions on the table and this
item would be voted on next week, December 15, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:____________________________________________________________
An Ordinance establishing the rules for the Rails-To-Trails pedestrian and
biking trail; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh has added a
few subsections (K & L) to the ordinance and those are ready for a motion to be
adopted.
City Manager Hugley said he did have a brief conversation with a citizen
this morning regarding the speed limit and after talking with staff, we don?t
really have a problem with removing the designated speed limit showing 10 MPH
and just replacing that with ?travel at a safe speed?.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked about subsection ?G? regarding dusk to
dawn to which City Manager Hugley said we want to stand by the recommendation
of dusk to dawn which is based on the fact that this trail travels in an area
where some residents are and they did not want any lighting in the back of
their homes and they did not want people in the back of their home after dark.
He said the document we shared with you, staff indicated there that they look
at similar trails in the Atlanta region and they operate with this provision
and because of the nature of where our rails to trail travels, we were trying
to respect the few comments we heard from residents along the rails to trail.
After some additional discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion
to remove ?e? (10 mph) and replace it with ?travel at a safe speed?. City
Attorney Fay suggested using the same language we have in section 20-12.5 of
the UDO ? ?no person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the conditions than existing?. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh then restated her motion to replace ?e? with section 20-12.5.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
Councilor Woodson suggested that signs be placed along the trail
indicating hours of operation for the trails.
Councilor Henderson asked about the cost to light a particular section of
the trail to which City Manager Hugley said staff would look into it and come
back with recommendations.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to accept the addition of
(subsections) ?K? & ?L?. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present with Councilors Anthony and McDaniel
being absent for this vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said the reason we are trying to put specifics
in this ordinance is so law enforcement would have something to enforce with no
questions asked.
MR. PAUL OLSON ? 13830 Upatoi Lane came forward and stated that the public
should be allowed to give input before Council vote on any section or
subsections of this proposed ordinance. He said his concern on this thing is
who will have the right-of-way - walker or bicyclists? City Manager Hugley said
what they wanted to address relates to citizens? concerns when it came to the
dusk to dawn and the speed. He said this is not the first rail to trail we (the
city) have and people know to walk to the right. He said this is nothing new to
the people of Columbus since similar trails are in place at Shirley Winston,
Britt David, as well as other parks in Columbus, Georgia. He said if there are
issues that come up specifically to this particular 11-mile stretch, we will
come back to Council, but we are ready to move forward.
Mr. Olson made a few additional comments on the rails to trails with
regards to pedestrian safety and funding. Mr. Olson was directed be City
Manager Hugley to Mr. Rick Jones to have his questions answered.
Councilor Henderson asked about the time factor according to the National
Weather Service. City Attorney Fay pointed out that this time changes daily
since it is based on sunrise and sunset. City Manager Hugley then clarified
that dawn is 30 minutes after the sun goes down (sunset).
After some additional discussion regarding time restrictions, City Manager
Hugley suggested that Council pass the ordinance as it is and we will identify
commercial (as Councilor Henderson suggested) stretches along the way and we
can come back to you or allow flexibility in those areas and even consider
lighting those stretches in a way that does not impact/affect residents.
MR. BERT COKER ? 5815 Ventura Drive came forward and expressed his
appreciation to Council for their concerns for his wife. He said this should
not be called the Rails to Trails but rather it should be called the million
mile walk because of the amount of money this project is costing the city. He
further pointed out some issues with the signs and asked what money is being
used to fund this project. He also asked for a list of how the money is being
spent.
In response to Mr. Coker?s comments, City Manager Hugley said $11 million
came from the SPLOST and $1.5 million came from Georgia DOT and that is
stimulus money. He said it is a $12.5 million project. He then read portions of
a letter written by a resident who uses the trail and is in support of the
project. City Manager Hugley pointed out that this is an eleven-mile stretch
that goes from 14th Street down at the RiverWalk, out to CSU, Cooper Creek, and
Psalmond Road.
MR. TRIP LAYFIELD ? 1615 18th Avenue came forward and said he would like
to echo the sentiments in the letter just read by City Manager Hugley. He said
the City Council has not gotten enough thanks for this absolutely wonderful
project. He said as an avid cyclist, he had some concerns with the ordinance.
He said the amendment about the speed limit has already addressed one of his
concerns and he whole-heartedly support the change. He asked if a mode to the
city park ordinance of 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. is appropriate but would like to
encourage some more debate on that subject. He said the dusk to dawn time frame
is a little too restricted and hopefully there is a compromise that can be
reached.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to change section ?g? to 5:00 a.m.
to 9:00 p.m. She said this is something the City Manager can work with before
bringing it back to Council. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s motion did not receive
a second.
MR. JASON MCKENZIE ? 18 7th Street came forward and stated he is part
owner of Ride on Bikes and a full-time student at Columbus Sate University. He
said he would like for Council to reconsider the dusk to dawn time frame. He
said he uses the trails to commute back and forth to school. He said there are
a lot of students that are going from the downtown campus to the main campus
and limiting the time to dusk to dawn is an issue. He said 11 of the 12 staff
members at this organization use the rails to trail on a daily basis.
Several members of Council further discussed this issue for an additional
20 minutes after which City Manager Hugley suggested delaying this first
reading to give staff an opportunity to look at the changes suggested by
Council as well as give the residents a chance for input. Councilor Woodson
then suggested moving forward with the ordinance by deleting section ?g? and
then come back in 60 days as suggested by Councilor Allen and amend the
ordinance. She said the other rules works fine.
City Manager Hugley said staff could meet with the residents at another
forum and come back to Council at a later date with recommendations.
Councilor Henderson said he is fine with the ordinance the way it is but
has concerns of enforcement in areas not fully completed. He said this
information should also be provided to the Police Department since they will be
the ones conducting enforcements.
There was some additional discussion by several members of Council
regarding time and enforcement by public safety, after which Council recognized
another citizen who wished to be heard on this matter.
MR. MIKE WELCH - 6751 Beaver Run Trail came forward and stated he
appreciated the Rails to Trails ordinance, but would like Council to address
the safety issue that was mentioned earlier this morning regarding pedal
cyclists and hours of operation of the trail.
Councilor Davis said he will stick to 9:00 p.m. and we can look into
future use and how residents and users of the trail are affected. He said there
may also be a problem with enforcing it because once this ordinance is adopted,
it becomes law and it may be difficult to not enforce the rules in areas not
fully developed as pointed out by the Mayor.
City Attorney Fay said this proposed ordinance would remain on the table,
as is, for a vote next week at which time Council can also vote on amendments.
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REV. JOE ROBINSON:
Councilor Woodson said she was approached by a resident who asked if a
street or a building could be renamed in honor of Rev. Joe Robinson, to which
City Manager Hugley said that is something that should be handled by the
Housing Authority.
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PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AREA:
Councilor Woodson said she had a meting with some of the residents in the
historic district with regards to parking in the downtown area.
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RESOLUTION FOR MS. ELIZABETH PORTER:
Councilor Hunter asked for a resolution for the family of Ms. Elizabeth
Porter who passed away at the age of 100.
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THE FOLLOWNIG ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXP0LAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:____________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by weight
limitations and/or length for trucks on Brown Avenue from Cusseta Road to
Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
There was no one present to opposed this proposed ordinance and City
Attorney Fay informed Council that this would be back on second reading at 9:00
a.m. on December 15, 2009
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF THEIR COMMENTS:_______________
MR. JEROME LAWSON, RE: REQUESTING RECORD TO BE
EXPUNGED:___________________________________________________________
Mr. Jerome Lawson - 901 Joy Road, lot E-12 came forward and stated that
his purpose for being here today is to get support from the Council for a
felony he received when he was 16 years old. He provided some additional
information regarding his felony conviction and his difficulties in getting his
record expunged and obtaining a job. Upon the completion of Mr. Lawson?s
presentation, several members of Council commended him for his courage in
coming here this morning. Some members of Council also provided Mr. Lawson with
telephone numbers and names of persons he can contact that may be able to
assist him with the concerns he addressed here today.
Mayor Wetherington advised Mr. Lawson that he could contact the local parole
office for a form that he can fill out to request for a pardon from the State
Board.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: RECOMMEND 2.5% FOR RETIREMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; CRIME
PREVENTION DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS; LEDGER-ENQUIRER TAX; COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CONFERENCE ROOM:_
Mr. Olson came forward and said he is recommending a 2.5% retirement for
public safety ? Firemen. He said they are paid 2% right now on their retirement
and they are deserving of it. He said he would also recommend $3 million for
EMS and would further like to see how the $21 million for public safety is
being spent. He said he would also like to see the crime prevention
disbursement of funds; who gets the money and how much they are getting. Mr.
Olson then made some further comments regarding the use of the Council Chambers
Conference Room, making references to the City Charter.
In response to Mr. Olson?s comments, City Manager Hugley pointed out that
prior city managers have used the conference rooms for Pre-Council briefings
but he (City Manager Hugley) has held every pre-council briefing in the Council
chambers. He further pointed out that since his tenure, all budget meetings
(and Pre-Council Briefings) have also been televised in the Council Chambers as
opposed to the ground floor conference room where they were previously held
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL ON ISSUES DISCUSSED (TRAFFIC
LIGHT, SPEEDING AND CROSSWALK):__________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder came forward and thanked the Council for this
opportunity and stated that when he comes before Council he would like to get a
response. He said he is talking about the lights he has requested in the school
zone. He then stated that his neighbor?s son was hit by a speeding car and
stated that something needs to be done about speeding in school zones.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Mr. Wilder was talking about Cross
Creek Apartments on Steam Mill Road just as you cross the overpass. He said he
did have the engineers to check to see if the area had any accidents but there
were none. He said traffic engineers will put out traffic counters to see how
many vehicles uses this road-way as well as how many of them are speeding.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________
A Resolution (465-09) ? Requesting Council?s approval for the acquisition
of Parcels
7, 8, and 9 at 1725 Whittlesey Road for the Whittlesey Road Widening Project.
Parcels 7, 8 and 9 consists of 0.334 +/- acres for Right of Way and 0.291 Acres
for Construction Easement for County Road and/or Municipal Street purposes, and
authorize the filing of a Declaration of Taking. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY 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 MEMEBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:_______________
A Resolution (466-09) Authorizing the purchase of Arts and Craft Supplies
from U.S. Toy/Constructive Playthings, S & S Worldwide, Nasco, Lakeshore
Learning Materials and Dick Blick Company at a percentage discount ranging from
5% to 15%, on an ?as needed basis?. The Parks and Recreation Department has
various divisions, including: After School Program, Community Schools, Seniors,
Special Populations, and Recreation which purchase a variety of arts and craft
supplies via catalogs and at discount stores. To facilitate these purchases,
vendors were asked to submit percentage discount bids, since most vendors offer
similar, but not exactly the same type of arts and crafts.
A Resolution (467-09) - Authorizing a contract for After Hours Event
Parking at the River Center Parking Garage with Quality Parking and Valet
Management. The contractor will manage after-hours event parking services at
the River Center Parking Garage, located at 919 Broadway in Up-Town Columbus,
which has 600 available parking spaces. The normal business hours will be
between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday and all day on weekends
and holidays.
A Resolution (468-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of eight (8) ML910 Mobile
Data Computers from Motorola in the amount of $85,480.00 ($10,685.00 each). The
equipment will be installed in vehicles of the Shift Supervisors in the Bureau
of Patrol Services of the Police Department.
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PRESENTATIONS:
INTEGRATED WASTE FUND:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin provided the following during her
presentation on the Integrated Waste Fund:
Overview-collection ? Current residential rate $14/month. Last changed in 2001
Twice weekly service for household waste collection
Once weekly service for recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste collection
Overview ? Disposal
Operation of 3 landfills: 1 ? (Pine Grove Landfill) Putrescible household; 2 ?
Inert
Maintenance & Monitoring of Schatulga Road Landfill
Maintenance, Post Closure Care of Camp Landfill
BRAC Growth
30,000 more citizens ? 35-mile radius
65% or 19,500 estimated to live in Muscogee County
September 15, 2011 Armor School moves complete
Increase population = Increased Services = Added Expanse
Integrated Waste Fund Financials
Enterprise Fund ? Account for self=sustaining, business type activities
Funded by user charges
Revenue generated = 90% Residential
$14/month since 2001
Integrated Waste Fund ? Components of the Rate
Current Funding: Daily Operations for Waste Collection, Recycling Collection,
Landfill Operation and Recycling Center
Future Funding ? Landfill Closure/Post Closure, Composting Center, Future
Planning for Disposal
What does this mean?
Postpone vehicle and equipment replacement or fund from General Fund
Postpone funding the % of landfill closure/post-closure liability
Postpone setting aside funds for future disposal
Integrated Waste Fund Financial
Options to fund the Waste Management requirement: Reduce expenditures; Increase
revenues; Do nothing (subsidize from General Fund)
Upon completion of the Integrated Waste Fund presentation, City Manager
Hugley, Finance Director Pam Hodge, and several members of Council spent an
additional 20 minutes discussing this issues with regards to purchasing
vehicles, funding for integrated waste, possible increase in rates, and the
impact of BRAC on Waste Management Fund and Expenditures.
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NOTE: During this portion of the preceding, Councilors Hunter and Anthony left
the meeting at 12:20 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. respectively.
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Councilor Anthony asked: (1) what would be the plan that would allow us
(Council) to pull the capital out of this scenario and what would it look like
? so that we can fund capital purchases from another source. (2) If we had a $1
per year incremental increase over the next 5 to 6 years what would that equate
into. (3) If we were to be able to (from a capital standpoint) build a waste
energy facility and what that might do for reducing landfill cost.
City Manager Hugley said he has the direction of Council on this issue and
they will be coming back but they do not wish to wait until budget time to
start pointing things out but we have been talking about this for some time.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh suggested bringing this back when there is not
too many things taking place to which City Manager said he can bring this back
in a Work Session. She further asked that Capital Expenditures and Landfill
Closures be separated so Council can look at each individually. She also asked
for two to three scenarios stating if we go one way, what will be the results
and/or if we don?t do something, what will be the results.
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LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the Land Bank Authority was scheduled
to make a presentation but he understands that the Mayor has some other
commitments today so instead, they will delay this presentation for a future
date.
Councilor Henderson asked the Clerk of Council to send letters to the
members of the Land Bank Authority to determined who is interested in
continuing to serve.
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ICE RINK:
Councilor Allen said he received a call about the RFP for the Ice Rink. He
said apparently there is a provision in there that requires a $7.5 million
three project average over five years that qualifies a construction company to
meet the criteria to be selected for this contract. City Manager Hugley asked
Deputy City Manager David Arrington and Finance Director Pam Hodge to come
forward and provide information on this issue since they have been working on
the RFPs.
Mr. Arrington, in response to Councilor Allen comments, said he (Councilor
Allen) is exactly right on the qualifications. He said the thought process was
that we needed to establish the bar where the contractor would have done the
same or similar type and scope of work, over a reasonable period of time, so we
would get a contractor who is qualified to do that type of work. He said
whatever the will of Council is, we are willing to take a look at that and make
adjustments as Council deem appropriate.
Councilor Allen said he spoke to an individual on his way into the Council
Meeting today and he did not get an opportunity to explore this issue but it
seems to him that rather than having a company that have three $7 million
projects over five years ? using that as a bar to meet requirements. He said it
seems like it would take more management and expertise to have five $3 million
jobs over five years. He said the management and skill-set of that kind of
company could be greater or as good as that of someone with three such jobs at
a higher cost. Councilor Allen said he has no idea where to set the bar but
would recommend a two to three week delay that would be better for Columbus as
far as helping those that could have the potential to participate and receive
the benefits of such a construction project.
There were some additional discussion by several members of Council and
City Manager Hugely regarding revising the criteria for qualifying contractors
such as allowing local contractor to put in a bid, and re-opening the bid to
everyone after which Councilor Allen made a motion to set the criteria at $3
million and the number of municipal projects conducted (by contractor) in the
last five years. Motion was seconded by Councilor Barnes and after some further
discussion, the vote was recorded by a vote of 4 to 4, with Councilors
Henderson, Barnes, Allen and Woodson voting yes and Councilors Baker, Turner
Pugh, Davis and McDaniel voting no and Councilors Anthony and Hunter being
absent for this vote.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that this was an inconclusive vote and no
action will be taken in regards to changing the criteria.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_____
Certificate of Need Application as submitted by St. Francis Hospital, Inc. to
expand the existing facility and to develop a new Perinatal Service (Level 1).
Biographical Sketch of Mr. Rafael D. Rose, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace the late Rev. Joseph Roberson on the Cooperative Extension Advisory
Board.
Personnel Review Board Members Attendance report from January through November
2009.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a memorandum from Ms. Rae McConnell,
Columbus Civic Center, requesting that the seats of Mr. Kevin Shirley and Mr.
Patrick Sleem be declared vacant due to a lack of attendance. Councilor
McDaniel moved the acceptance of the letter. Seconded by Mayor Pro tem Turner
Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with
Councilors Allen, Anthony, and Hunter being absent for this vote.
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 41-09 & 42-09.
Personnel Review Board, November 18, 2009.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present with Councilors Allen, Anthony, and Hunter being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:___________________________________________________________
Petition submitted by Buddy Mordic to rezone 1.9 acres of property located
at 6231 Crystal Drive from GC (General Commercial) to RMF2 (Residential Multi
Family 2) district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department.) (27-A-09-Mordic) Called for by
Councilor McDaniel.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AMINAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that a nominee
is still needed for the seat of Dr. Patrice Holt who cannot succeed herself. No
action taken.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the Mr. Jack Rogers was nominated
to succeed Mr. Jack Land and that can now be confirmed. Councilor McDaniel
moved the confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council with Councilors Allen, Anthony
and Hunter being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr.
Richard Stallings? term would expire at the end of this month and he is not
eligible to succeed himself. She pointed that the individual replacing Mr.
Stallings must have some appraisal training. No action taken.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):_______________________________
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Deidre
Williams? seat has been declared vacant and a replacement is needed. No action
taken.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr. Tyrone
Rowe no longer resides in Muscogee County and that Councilor Allen is working
on a replacement.
*** *** ***
TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr. Jed
Harris is eligible to succeed himself and the Mayor is re-nominating him to
serve another term. Councilor Henderson then moved the confirmation of Mr. Jed
Harris. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present with Councilors Allen, Anthony, and Hunter
being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council Ms. Mary Ann
Morris is eligible to succeed herself and a nomination is needed to fill the
seat of the late Rev. Joseph Roberson. No action taken.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that three
nominees are still needed for the seat of Mr. Franklyn Lambert who is
deceased.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that the Mayor is working on
a replacement for the seat of Ms. Ruhnell Bankston.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Barnes is working on a replacement for the seat of Ms. Peggy Myles who no
longer resides in Council District One.
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Linda
Brantley is eligible to succeed herself and would like to continue to serve.
Councilor Henderson re-nominated Ms. Brantley for another term of office.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Baker is still working on a replacement for this seat that was declared vacant.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that we are
waiting to hear from Uptown Columbus, Inc. on their recommendations for a
replacement for the seat of Mr. David Serrato.
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RESOLUTION:
Councilor Henderson called for a resolution for Mr. Larry Porter, a
graduate of Columbus High and recently named as head coach for Memphis
University Tigers.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Hugley, Councilor McDaniel
made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to discuss
land acquisition. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Anthony,
and Hunter being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
At 1:00 p.m. the regular session was adjourn to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 1:27 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss land acquisition, but no action was taken.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Woodson then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony and Hunter being absent for this vote
and the time being 1:28 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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