MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 13, 2012
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Judy W. Thomas. Councilor
Bruce Huff arrived at 9:06 a.m. and Councilor Evelyn Woodson arrived at 9:20
a.m. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. James Alexander, Sr. - Pastor of St. Paul AME
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Polka-Dots Early Childhood
Development Center.
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PROCLAMATION:
?HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS C.H.E.E.R. FOR CHARACTER DAY?:
With Mr. Anthony ?Buckets? Blakes and members of the Harlem Globetrotters
present and standing before the Council, Mayor Tomlinson read a proclamation of
the Mayor proclaiming March 13, 2012 as ?Harlem Globetrotters C.H.E.E.R. For
Character Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the February 28, 2012 Meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a single motion made by Councilor McDaniel and seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Woodson having not yet arrived.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (12-12) - Amending Ordinance No. 11-61 to further define the
membership of the Civic Center Advisory Board; and for other purposes.
Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Woodson
having not yet arrived.
An Ordinance (12-13) - Amending Chapter 16B of the Columbus Code to revise
the employment requirements, probationary employment period, performance
evaluation policy, and for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Woodson having not yet arrived.
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ZONING PUPLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING
WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Property located at 4531 Milgen Road, is proposed for
rezoning from GC (General Commercial) to RO (Residential Office) zoning
district. (3-CA-12-Pate) The proposed use is for apartments and offices.
PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,
there were no presentations made since no one came forward in opposition.
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An Ordinance - Property located at the South Corner of 7300 Blackmon Road,
is proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (2-CA-12-Allen Development Group, Inc.)
The proposed use is for a college campus.
PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:
Mr. Bud Allen, the petitioner, came forward after Councilor Allen had
asked that he make some brief comments with regards to the traffic, at which
time, Mr. Allen explained that our client is adjusting all of their class
schedules to not interfere with the school traffic across the street.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (55-12) - Property located at 6650 Buena Vista Road, is
proposed for Special Exception Use in an SFR2 (Single-family Residential 2)
zoning district. The proposed site is approximately 15.23 acres and the use is
for a Place of Worship in excess of 250 seats. Councilor McDaniel moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Woodson having not yet arrived.
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A Resolution (56-12) - Authorizing the use of the statutory procedure for
collection of delinquent fines, costs or restitution established in O.C.G.A.
Section 42-8-34.2 by the judges of the Recorder?s Court of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Woodson having not yet arrived.
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REFERRALS:
RESOLUTION:
Have the staff to bring forth a resolution honoring the Columbus State
University basketball team for their recent wins. (Request of Councilor Thomas)
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION POLICY:
With the passage of the amendment to Chapter 16B, which also includes the
Performance Evaluation Policy, have the staff to provide a copy of the new
policy booklet to the members of Council just for informational purposes.
(Request of Councilor Thomas)
RESOLUTION:
Draft a resolution or proclamation commending the Kingdom Christian
Academy and Preparatory School of Columbus, Georgia with the team being
undefeated during their inaugural season and by winning the NACA 2012 National
Championship in Division III of Boys? Basketball. (Request of Mayor Tomlinson)
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. SCOTT D. FERGUSON, REPRESENTING UNITED WAY OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE
VALLEY, RE: NATIONAL
HONOR:
Mr. Scott D. Ferguson, came forward to make comments referencing the
national honor received with regards to a picture that was submitted with three
Columbus, Georgia firefighters from Fire Station #1 wearing the ?Living United?
t-shirts. He then presented the award with the winning portrait to Fire & EMS
Chief Mr. Jeff Meyers.
At the request of Mayor Tomlinson, Mr. Ferguson spoke of the goal of
United Way to raise $6.6 million and actually raised $6,636,000 with the city
being a huge part of that.
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MR. TOM BRYAN & MR. MARTY FLOURNOY, RE: THUNDER IN THE VALLEY AIR SHOW:
Mr. Marty Flournoy, approached the rostrum to announce the Thunder in the
Valley Air Show that would be held at the Columbus Airport, on Saturday, March
17 (10:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, March 18 (10:00 a.m. ? 5:00 p.m.)
Mr. Tom Bryan, made some brief comments regarding the air show as
well. At this time, a brief video presentation of the types of airplanes
used in the air shows, as well as, some stunts performed were shown on the
projector.
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MR. CHARLIE L. WIMBERLY, JR., REPRESENTING CHARLIEJR PROMOTIONS, RE:
CHRISTIAN CONCERT AT THE COLUMBUS CIVIC
CENTER:
Mr. Charlie L. Wimberly, Jr., came forward to announce the Christian
Concert that would be held at the Columbus Civic Center on March 30, 2012. He
stated that he is a graduate of Kendrick High School and would be giving $2,000
to Kendrick High School.
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MS. SHANKIEA POLLARD, REPRESENTING EITA, INC, RE: INTRODUCTION OF
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY AT EITA,
INCL:
Ms. Shankiea Pollard, did not come forward when given the opportunity to
address the members of Council.
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MR. ROBERT BARKER, RE: HOT DOG CART ON BROADWAY:
Mr. Robert Barker, approached the rostrum to speak about the challenges he
has faced with respect to operating a hotdog cart in the Uptown area. He then
asked for information on how to proceed with this concept.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Mr. Barker would like to operate his
hotdog cart on Broadway on the public right-of-way; however, the city?s
ordinance prohibits that. He also advised that Mr. Richard Bishop, Uptown
Columbus, Inc. President is also opposed.
City Attorney Fay explained that in order to sell food on Broadway in this
manner would cause several amendments to the ordinances; in particular,
Section16-13, specifically prohibits the sell of meat products.
During this discussion, the following referrals were made and are listed
as follows:
With the White Water Rafting coming to the area, the selling point for
renovating the 14th Street bridge was that there would be food vendors along
that bridge; therefore, let?s have the staff to look at the current ordinances
and regulations that may prohibit this activity to begin some discussion.
(Request of Councilor Thomas)
Also, have the Administration to schedule a meeting with Mr. Richard
Bishop from Uptown Columbus, Inc. to include Councilor Woodson to discuss this
matter. (Request of Councilor Woodson)
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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 (57-12) - Authorizing a request to execute a Three Party
agreement between the Georgia Department of Transportation, Central of Georgia
Railroad Company and the City for reconstructing the Whittlesey Road railroad
crossing and to run traffic signal interconnect across railroad right-of-way.
Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those ten members present for 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 (58-12) - Authorizing a request to execute an Agreement with
Community Action for Improvement, Inc. (CAFI) for an amount not to exceed
$400,000 to administer the Weatherization Program.
In response to some additional questions by the members of Council,
Planning Department Director Rick Jones noted that a spreadsheet has been
passed around the table that provides a breakdown of the budget for this
$400,000. He made some further comments on the items listed in the
spreadsheet; City Manager Hugley and City Attorney Fay made some comments as
well. As part of the discussion by the members of Council the following
referrals were made and are listed as follows:
In the future as it relates to submitting grants of this type, the
Administration should provide a detailed breakdown of what the monies would be
expended on. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh) Also, when this work is
completed, bring back the information that outlines what percentage of this
money went into owner-occupied properties and the percentage that went into
rental properties. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
With there being no further discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh made a motion for approval. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
by a vote of nine to one with Councilor Davis voting no and all other nine
members present voting yes: Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors, Allen,
Baker, Barnes, Henderson, Huff, McDaniel, Thomas and Woodson.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (59-12) - Authorizing a request for the acceptance of a deed
to Palazzo Place, Promenade Place, Patina Place and that portion of Oriana
Drive located in The Promenades. The Department of Engineering has inspected
these streets and recommends the acceptance. Councilor Henderson moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (60-12) - Authorizing the purchase of ten (10) full size
four-door sedans (2012 Chevrolet Impalas), from Hardy Chevrolet (Dallas, Ga),
in the amount of $174,430.00.
A Resolution (61-12) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) asphalt paver
(Leeboy Model 1000f), from Reynolds-Warren Equipment Co., Inc., (Lake City, a),
in the amount of $59,900.00.
A Resolution (62-12) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) chipper
(Vermeer BC1000XL), from Vermeer Southeast, (Marietta, Ga), in the amount of
$29,860.00.
A Resolution (63-12) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) 20' Alamo Boom
Mower and tractor unit, via Georgia State Contract, #99999-SPD-SPD0000043-0004,
from Alamo Industrial, (Seguin, Tx), in the amount of $69,228.00.
A Resolution (64-12) - Authorizing to expend the appropriated funds to
Election Systems and Software, Inc., for election supplies, ballots and
expendable items in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
A Resolution (65-12) - Authorizing the annual contracts for real estate
appraisal services, on an ?as needed basis,? with Cliatt Appraisal Company and
Crider, Bouye & Elliott, LLC.
A Resolution (66-12) - Authorizing the purchase of four (4) cab & chassis
for flatbed dump trucks, from Carl Gregory Dodge-C-J, (Columbus, Ga) in the
amount of $100,492.00.
A Resolution (67-12) - Authorizing the annual contract for mental health
services for Muscogee County Jail with New Horizons (Columbus, Ga).
A Resolution (68-12) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2012 Ford F-150
XL, ?-ton crew cab, 4x4 pickup trucks, from Rivertown Ford, (Columbus, Ga) in
the amount of $50,164.00.
A Resolution (69-12) - Authorizing the purchase of three (3) Pursuit SUVs
(2012 Chevrolet Tahoes) via Georgia Statewide Contract, SWC #90796-1, from
Hardy Chevrolet (Dallas, Ga) in the amount of $79,401.00. (unit price of
$26,467.00, each)
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
After Deputy City Manager David Arrington responded to questions from
Councilor Thomas. The following purchasing resolution was voted on. Councilor
Thomas moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by
those ten members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (70-12) - Authorizing the execution of Change Order 2 with
Southeastern Site Development, Inc., in the amount of $81,686.69.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:
(1) Notice of GMA?s Annual Convention, June 23 - 26, 2012, in Savannah, Georgia.
(2) Correspondence from ACCG regarding the passing of HB397 - Open Meeting
Records.
(3) Correspondence from Ms. Betty Middleton, Chief Appraiser Tax Assessors
Office, Re: Intent to Appeal to Superior Court on the Board of Equalization?s
decision.
(4) Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis, Re: Board of Honor
recommendation.
(5) Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis, Re: Columbus Housing
Authority.
(6) Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis, Re: Development Authority of
Columbus.
(7) Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis, Re: Valley Partnership Joint
Development Authority.
With regards to Item #4 on the Clerk?s Agenda, Councilor Thomas called for
the resolution to name a field in South Commons in honor of Mr. Charles Wright.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (71-12) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the February 28, 2012 Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine
members present with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL: Request of
Councilor Bruce Huff to attend the 2012 GMA Annual Convention in Savannah, GA,
from June 23-26, 2012. The cost for this event is approximately $1,500.00.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Barnes being
absent for the vote.
Email Correspondence from Mr. George Mize, Jr. advising that the Hospital
Authority of Columbus has approved Ms. Betty Tatum to complete the unexpired
term of Ms. Cathy Walker, who resigned. Councilor Allen moved approval.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members
present with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL: Airport Commission
of Columbus, January 25, 2012.
Board of Honor, February 15, 2012.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 07-12 & 08-12.
Board of Water Commissioners, December 12, 2011.
Board of Water Commissioners, January 9, 2012.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, January 31, 2012.
River Valley Regional Commission, January 25, 2011.
Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Barnes being
absent for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the nomination of Mr. Steve
Gunby has been withdrawn; therefore, we still need a nominee for the seat of
Ms. Virginia Peebles who is not eligible to succeed herself. There were none.
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BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Ray Brinegar, III and Mr.
Tom Moore were both nominated for another term. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
She also pointed out that Mr. Perry Borom, Jr. is not eligible for
reappointment. There were no nominations.
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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the Clerk?s Office has been
unable to get in contact with Mr. Fox; therefore, we would ask to hold off on
confirmation.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised Councilor Baker that Mr. Chuck H.
McDaniel, III has expressed an interest in serving another term of office.
Councilor Baker then renominated Mr. McDaniel. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Councilor Baker nominated
Ms. Mattie Washington at the last meeting to succeed Ms. Joan Cheves and she
may be confirmed. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Maj. Julius Graham is eligible
to serve another term of office; this is the mayor?s appointment. Mayor
Tomlinson renominated Maj. Graham. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Mr. Arthur L. Smith, III
has resigned from his position on this board; this is the Council?s
appointment. There were none.
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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis noted that Mr. Walter Calhoun and Mr. Ralph
King were renominated for another term of office at the last meeting.
Councilor McDaniel moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the Clerk?s Office has been
unable to get in contact with Mr. Glen Heinzelman, who is also eligible to
serve another term of office.
Deputy Clerk of Council further advised that Mr. Ronny Smith has resigned
from his position on the Planning Advisory Commission. No nominations were
made at this time.
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REGION SIX DBHDD REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Frank Dunford was nominated
to replace Mr. Albert Sanders and may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those ten members present for this meeting.
Councilor Thomas then nominated Ms. Tiffani Stacy to fill the vacant seat
of Ms. Mary Myles. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the nomination
would be listed at the next regular meeting for confirmation.
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TREE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
previously nominated Ms. Anne M. Wright to replace Ms. Elizabeth Dreelin; she
may be confirmed. Councilor McDaniel moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members for this
meeting.
She also advised that the seat of Ms. Claudya Muller remains vacant and
the Clerk?s Office continues to work with the utility companies for a nominee.
There was no nominee suggested at this time.
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TRAVEL REQUESTS:
Councilor Henderson requested that when the Clerk?s Office lists on the
agenda a travel request from members of Council, to also provide the dollar
amount that is in the budget for travel.
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REFERRALS:
PATTON DRIVE:
Have the staff to look into a tree that had been cut down on Patton Drive
that has not been removed from the property. (Request of Councilor Huff) Also,
there are at least two houses that have been on the demolition list for quite
some time, have the staff to check into this matter. (Request of Councilor Huff)
ROUND-ABOUT AT ST. MARY?S ROAD AND NORTHSTAR DRIVE:
Have staff to contact St. Paul AME Church, Inc., as well as, the
convenience store located at the intersection of St. Mary?s Road and Northstar
Drive, once the redesign of the roundabout has been completed. (Request of
Councilor Huff)
NORTH OAKLEY DRIVE AND CLARADON DRIVE AREA:
Have staff to send the street sweepers in the area of North Oakley Drive
and Claradon Drive. (Request of Councilor Barnes) Also, some trees have fallen
in that same area, if we could get staff to have the trees removed. (Request of
Councilor Barnes)
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS:
Have staff to research and bring forward some suggestions that have been
made to address when a developer has to apply for multiple special exceptions
with regards to lot sizes that could not meet the street frontage requirements.
The concern of the developers is that when there are multiple requests within a
development, it could get expensive. Therefore, staff has looked at some ideas
of packaging some of these requests for the purpose of offering some type of
price break. (Request of Councilor Henderson)
TAX ABATEMENTS:
Have staff to provide a copy of the State and/or Federal Law that allows a
ten year tax break on a condominium unit or property even after the property is
sold off to a citizen. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting with the time being
10:27 a.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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