Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR MEETING



JUNE 17, 2008





The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in the Council Chambers,

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor

presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner

Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?

Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson and Julius H. Hunter, Jr. Charles E.

McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn Woodson. 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. Jamie Sanks, Pastor- The House of God.



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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Children?s Friend Learning Center.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?TIDWELL?S 21ST ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE?:



With Dr. Jack Tidwell- Tidwell Cancer Center and Ms. Virginia McClure

standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor

Wetherington, proclaiming June 7, 2008 as ?Tidwell?s 21st Annual Celebration of

Life? in Columbus, Georgia.



Dr. Jack Tidwell, said we are celebrating and being grateful for life. He

then introduced Ms. Virginia McClure- new Executive Director of the Tidwell

Cancer Foundation. Ms. McClure thanked the Tidwell Cancer Treatment Center for

sponsoring this event.



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?PRIMUS KING COMMUNITY CENTER GRAND OPENING?:



With Rev. Prathan L. Powell, Sr.- Miracles in the City Foundation CEO

standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor

Wetherington, proclaiming June 28, 2008 as ?Primus King Community Center Grand

Opening Day? in Columbus, Georgia.



Rev. Prathan Powell, Sr. introduced the members of the committee and are

listed as follows: Ms. Tawanna Ingram, Ms. Loraine Douglas and Ms. Sandy

Anderson.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the April 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2008 meetings 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 Woodson, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.



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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,

GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND

READING:





An Ordinance (08-27) - Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated

Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a

district located at 6206 Forest Road from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3)

District to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3 with conditions) District.

(15-CA-08-George C. Woodruff Company) Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved

adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

ADOPTED ON SECOND

READING:





An Ordinance (08-28) - Providing for the establishment of taxing

districts, including a county-wide general services district and three (3)

urban services districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID);

providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus,

Georgia within such districts for the year 2008 as provided under the Charter

of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for

violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.

Councilor McDaniel moved adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (08-29) - Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection

of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other

purposes. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for

this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

ADOPTED ON SECOND READING UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND

SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS

PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



An Ordinance (08-30) - Providing for contributions to the Columbus,

Georgia General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year

beginning July 1, 2008.



An ordinance (08-31) - Providing for the supplemental contributions to the

Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety

for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.



An Ordinance (08-32) - Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit

Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.



An Ordinance (08-33) - Providing for Government funding of a Major

Disability Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON

SECOND

READING:





An Ordinance (08-34) - Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus

Code Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the guidelines for an

offset to the residential rate for low-income households. Councilor Henderson

moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by

those ten members present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND AMENDED ON FIRST READING:







An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 5070 Warm Springs Road is

proposed for rezoning from RO w/conditions (Residential Office) to RO with

amended conditions (Residential Office) District. (12-A-08-Pate)



Councilor Allen spoke briefly on the meeting with the developers and the

residents. He said that he believes there is a consensus on this matter and

presented the conditions to amend the ordinance to the members of Council. (A

copy of this document was not filed for the record.)



PROPONENT:



Mr. Perry Pate came forward to acknowledge the agreement that was made to

retain the 50- foot buffer, as well as some other conditions. He agreed with

the list of conditions that were listed in the document. He said that he did

want to tell everyone that the layout of the apartment was done by Moon and

Meeks since the last meeting. He said they are proposing to move the buildings

to the north and allow the parking to get closer to the RO zoning

classification, but given the residents on Cunningham more distance between the

apartments and their back property lines.



He said that we are also planning to keep the light as low as it can be

and allow Georgia Power to come up with their design for the lighting. He also

addressed the buffer in an effort to coincide with everyone?s needs.



Councilor Allen then asked Mr. Pate about the drainage, at which time, Mr.

Pate responded by saying that Moon & Meeks wants to design a bigger pipe to

slow the water flow down. He explained that we are taking every bit of the

water from the 50-foot buffer forward all the way to the creek coming

underneath Warm Springs Road.



OPPONENTS:



Mr. Johnny Luse, 5228 Spinnaker Court, approached the rostrum to advise

that the conditions mentioned by the petitioner were agreed upon; however, we

did want to make sure that whatever conditions are in the ordinance stay with

the property regardless of ownership over the lifespan of the property.



He said the southeast corner of the property, which meets up with block 18

& 17 of Spinnaker Court, we would like to try to keep as many of the natural

trees; the buffer that already exists there. He said also on block 17 where

that property line meets the RO (Residential-Office) zoning classification, we

would like to keep that a minimum of 15 feet and the back buffer has been

mentioned by Mr. Perry at a minimum of 50 but if it is possible, we would like

52, 53 or 54 feet.



Councilor Henderson expressed concerns with the condition that was put on

a few years ago to protect residents and now removing it. He maintained that

the only way he could support this ordinance is if there is some overriding

benefit to the citizens in removing the conditions. He said the explanation he

received is that Mr. Pate could use this property the way he wants to even

without the condition, because he could still put apartments on there. He said

that what Mr. Pate would be forced to do, based upon our conversation, is have

to be less sensitive to some of the other areas and it would not be

esthetically very pleasing. He said with that in mind and with Mr. Pate

meeting with the residents and coming up with some solutions to the most

pressing issues; he is inclined to support it.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also expressed concerns with changing the

conditions in the previous ordinance. In response to a comment made by Mayor

Pro Tem Turner Pugh, City Attorney Fay advised that in the UDO (Unified

Development Ordinance) that was redone in 2005, the length of time of twenty

years for a condition to remain on the property was removed and it is now that

all conditions run with the property in perpetuity.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested the staff to contact the residents

that were involved with the previous rezoning of property located at 5070 Warm

Springs Road.



Councilor Allen made the motion to add all six conditions. Seconded by

Councilor Anthony and carried by a vote of nine to one with Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh voting no and all others present voting yes.



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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A

PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND DELAYED ON FIRST READING:







An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 3714 Willis Road is proposed

for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to RO (Residential Office)

District. (16-A-08-Chastain) The proposed use is apartments. The Planning

Advisory Commission recommends approval and the Planning Department recommends

conditional approval.



City Attorney Fay advised this matter is being delayed for

re-advertisement and notice to the surrounding property owners. He then asked

if anyone was present today to speak in favor or in opposition to this rezoning

request. No one came forward.



Councilor McDaniel said the petitioner, Dr. J. B. Chastain did not receive

notice of this hearing and believes it is proper to delay the matter.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:







An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to limit

appearances on the Public Agenda to once per month by any individual; and for

other purposes.



PROPONENT AND OPPONENTS:



Mr. Josh McKoon, 2237 Camille Drive, came forward to express his concerns

with the proposed ordinance and spoke about the difficulty in enforcing the

five-minute rules. He suggested having a digital timer or lighting system that

had an audible alarm that would go off once an individual has reached their

five-minute mark. He also mentioned the election for the one percent sale tax

taking place on July 8, 2008; thereby, not allowing those people in opposition

an opportunity to speak.



Councilor McDaniel explained that the Council does not have a problem with

citizens appearing before the Council, but individuals would appear every week

regarding the same subject matter.



Mayor Wetherington maintained that this ordinance has nothing to do with

the LOST (local option sales tax). He said the problem has been going on for a

number of years. He added that somehow, we have to address it.



Councilor Allen requested the staff to compile a report on how other

counties and cities are handling their public agenda. Once the information has

been completed, schedule a work session to discuss this topic.



City Manager Hugley clarified that the ordinance is on first reading

today. He said it would not be on second reading until the second Tuesday of

July, which is July 8, 2008. He advised that the election is July 15, 2008;

therefore, this would not prohibit anyone who opposes the local option sales

tax from coming down every Tuesday there is a Council Meeting from now until

the election.



After some additional comments were made, Councilor Allen made a motion to

delay this ordinance until City Manager Hugley has provided a report on how

other cities format their public agenda. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and

carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane, approached the rostrum to express his

opposition to the ordinance. He then referred to different incidents where he

has brought matters before the Council on more than one occasion to bring the

light to situations. He also read excerpts of the Public Agenda application to

mention that the Mayor has called upon citizens to speak before the Council

without them being listed on the Public Agenda.



Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive, expressed his opposition with the

ordinance. He spoke of the first amendment right for the freedom of speech.



Mayor Wetherington recalled that he was the one that asked Councilor

McDaniel to sponsor this ordinance; therefore, he should not take the blame for

it.



Mr. William Madison- President of the Local Branch of the NAACP, 974

Overlook Drive, said that it is because of the NAACP and being able to confront

the government, things have changed in America for the better for all people.

He said that he spent twenty years in the Army fighting for the citizens of the

United States right to speak.



Ms. Ollie Tarver, 329 Mays Avenue, said the Mayor and Council are

available to all the citizens. She then continued to express her views on the

matter.



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RECOGNITION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL:



Mayor Wetherington requested permission to call upon the Military

personnel seated in the audience. He then recognized Captain Ferguson with

International Training Development.



Captain Ferguson, Commander of the International Student Training at Ft.

Benning, said this is our incoming Career Course Class 0308. He then

introduced each military personnel that was present with him and identified the

country as well.



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NOTE: Councilor Henderson left the meeting during this portion of the meeting

with the time being 10:17 a.m.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MS. RHONDA JACKSON, MR. JOHN FULLICK & MS. CHERYL FULLICK, REPRESENTING

BEGIN AGAIN FARMS, RE: TO PROVIDE INFORMATION:



Ms. Rhonda Jackson, approached the rostrum to speak about the Begin Again

Farms; it is an equine shelter based in Ellerslie, Georgia. She said that we

are a 501C3 nonprofit corporation and we are dedicated to the rehabilitation

and retirement of abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted horses. She called

attention to the issue and the statistics for the State of Georgia. She said

they have been in business for ten years and using the overhead projector,

displayed pictures of starved horses in Muscogee County. She wanted to bring

awareness to the problem and encourage citizens to report neglect and abuse.



She said that we need State funding for impound facilities and there are

not a lot of shelters in the State. She explained that we are a small shelter

and need assistance, because this problem is growing. She also encouraged

citizens to volunteer their services.



Councilor Barnes said this issue was brought to his attention and he asked

that Ms. Jackson come before the Council. He pointed out that this is

happening on a regular basis for animals to be treated in this manner. He then

asked Ms. Jackson to show before and after pictures of the horses that Begin

Again Farms has nursed back to health.



Councilor Barnes called for notification of this problem to our State

Legislatures in an effort to get some type of legislation to address the

problem of animal abuse. City Attorney Fay said the Council could address this

matter on the legislative agenda for the State General Assembly to try to get

more funding for this type of operation. He said that there are currently

State Laws on the books for cruelty to animal and the enforcement.



Mayor Wetherington asked Ms. Jackson to call or come by his office after

the meeting to discuss this matter further.



Ms. Jackson responded to questions from Councilor Hunter regarding like

organizations and if the abuse is determined to be intentional.



City Manager Hugley also encouraged Ms. Jackson to speak with Director of

Public Services Gary Stickles, because we do have an Animal Control Division.

He said that she could work with the Special Enforcement Division and the

advisory board for animal care to find out how the City could assist with the

problem.



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MR. ROBERT MCKENNA, REPRESENTING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE SOUTHERN

RIVERS, INC., RE: EXEMPTION FOR 2007 AD VALOREM TAXES:



Mr. Robert McKenna, representing Goodwill Industries of the Southern

Rivers, Inc., cancelled his appearance before the Council.



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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: SECOND LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX REFERENDUM AND LANDFILL

COLLECTIONS:





Mr. Paul Olson, came forward to speak about an article in the Columbus

Ledger-Enquirer regarding the landfill. He called attention to the late

payments of the commercial businesses; whereby, there is a policy to cut them

off from doing business at the landfill after 120 days of delinquency.



He then read from a prepared statement of a listing of ten reasons why the

citizens of Columbus should not support the local option sales tax.



City Manager Hugley called upon Finance Director Pam Hodge to respond to

statements made by Mr. Olson.



Finance Director Pam Hodge approached the rostrum to report the changes

that have been made at the landfill to resolve past problems. She said that in

the Public Services Department, we are now requiring any landfill customer who

wants to charge to send a letter in writing with the appropriate information as

determined by the application. She added that on the Finance Department side,

we send out the statements each month along with the copy of the tickets. She

said that by the third statement we would call the business; however, it is

rare. By the fourth statement, Finance Director Hodge advised that another

phone call is made, a list is produced that is sent to Public Services to

indicate those businesses that have not paid their bill, and the account is

turned over to the collection agency.



She reported that the landfill list that was generated January of 2008

had 26 customers and the list generated June of 2008 also had 26 customers.

She said currently the landfill accounts owe the City $229,000 with $46,000

being current charges. She recalled that there are still payment agreements

outstanding of $64,000 with the original payment agreements being $478,000 that

were signed by customers; therefore, we have collected $413,000 leaving a

balance of $64,000; we have $118,000 at the collection agency, which is from

the original landfill issue.



In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding late fee

penalties, Finance Director Hodge said the Council has approved the 18%, which

is applied once it gets to the collection agency.



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MR. HEATH TUCKER, REPRESENTING D.A.D.D (DADS? AGAINST DRUNK DRIVERS), RE:

ALCOHOL AWARENESS AND BREATH ANALYZERS:





Mr. Heath Tucker, representing D.A.D.D (Dads? Against Drunk Drivers), did

not come forward to address the Council when given the opportunity to do so.



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MR. BERT COKER, REPRESENTING CITIZENS OF COLUMBUS, RE: NATATORIUM, FY09

BUDGET, ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE, 1% LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AND ROBERTS RULE

OF

ORDER:





Mr. Bert Coker, came forward to ask questions regarding the natatorium,

the talks of once a week garbage pick-up, the funding for the Animal Control

Center, the monies that was written-off in conjunction with the landfill, the

$3,000 for public safety and a gentleman speaking before Council who was not

listed on the Public Agenda.



In response to the questions from Mr. Coker, City Manager Hugley said the

Council has not or did not vote on the natatorium; however, there is a proposed

list of capital projects. In the case of the natatorium, City Manager Hugley

reported that we have $3.2 million to build a center city Olympic sized pool.

He said that citizens have indicated an interest in a natatorium, an indoor

aquatics. He said that we would come back at the appropriate time with the

hope that the Council will vote favorably for the natatorium.



City Manager Hugley also pointed out that fuel cost is eating away at the

budget and one consideration among many that we would be bringing to this

Council the fourth Tuesday of July is that we consider going to a one day a

week pick-up for household waste.



With regards to the $600,000 for the Animal Care Center, City Manager

Hugley stated that it was in the mid-year budget, but it was money that came

from the 1999 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) and it is money

that came from interest earned with the $2 million that was already allocated

for a $2.6 million Animal Care Center.



He also pointed out that the concerns regarding the landfill were brought

up. He said that former employees had written off some landfill fees as

uncollectible; however, once it was discovered, we put those write-offs back on

the books until such time that the landfill issue was resolved and until we

came to this Council with a write-off policy. He recalled that once the

write-off policy was adopted, we brought some things back where the statute of

limitation had run out to this Council and asked them to authorize writing

those statute of limitations off.



He then addressed the $3,000 for public safety by stating that if the LOST

(Local Option Sales Tax) passes; then 70% goes to public safety and each sworn

public safety officer would get a $3,000 supplement added to their pay. He

explained that the next year, they would get that same $3,000 and not each year

a new $3,000 supplement.



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MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING NAACP, RE: LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AND

CITIZEN REVIEW

BOARD:





Mr. Edward DuBose, representing NAACP, did not come forward to address the

Council when given the opportunity to do so.



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MR. WILLIAM MADISON, REPRESENTING NAACP, RE: 1% SALES TAX AND CITIZEN

REVIEW

BOARD:





Mr. William Madison, representing NAACP, approached the rostrum to explain

the reasons why the one percent sales tax is not favorable. He then spoke of

the situations at the county jail where people are incarcerated with very

little evidence to hold them there. He called attention to the use of DNA that

helped so many inmates be released from prison with some serving several years

and even on death row. He also addressed prison labor and the need for a

preventive program for inmates that are released back into society.



Mr. Madison made reference to an article where CB&T was indicted in New

York and have to pay a $10 million fine. He requested information as to why

the City of Columbus is still supporting this bank.



City Manager Hugley said the citizens know that we do work about 500

inmates a day. He explained that it saves the taxpayers money about $16

million a year. He pointed out that the prisoners at the Muscogee County

Prison could opt to stay at the prison all day, but they want to work and are

getting on the job training by working as carpenters, plumbers, electricians,

etc.



City Manager Hugley recalled that Mr. Madison mentioned CB&T. He then

briefly explained the competitive process to select a bank. He said we leave

it to the Federal and State laws to govern those companies.



With there being continued discussions on this matter and Mr. Madison

wishing to resume speaking, Councilor Allen made a motion that Mr. Madison

continues to be heard. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried

unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Henderson being absent

for this vote.



Mr. Madison maintained that the court system is broken when people are

incarcerated wrongfully, and we need to follow the constitution when we are

dealing with peoples? freedom.



Councilor Barnes requested the staff to research a plan to find out what

this Council needs to do to make things happen with respect to funding from the

State for the Indigent Defense Council operations and funding assistance for

the jail.



City Manager Hugley along with City Attorney Fay explained the process

once a person is incarcerated and the initial 48-hour appearance in Recorder?s

Court, as well as, the posting of a bond if that is applicable. City Manager

Hugley said that if the bond is not paid or if there is no bond set; then, the

individual would have to remain in jail until the trial is held.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested the staff to contact the Public

Defender to appear before the Council to give the citizens an update on where

they are in that office with the workload, how long is it taking them to see

inmates and if there are inmates that have not been seen within 72 hours and if

not, why has that not occurred.



Councilor Hunter also requested the staff take a look at our State

statutes as it relates to the Judicial Court system.



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REV. JOE S. ANDREWS, REPRESENTING INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTERIAL

ALLIANCE, RE: LOCAL OPTION SALES

TAX:





Rev. Joe S. Andrews, representing Interdenominational Ministerial

Alliance, expressed thanks to the ministers and his congregation that are

present to support their concerns with the issues within the communities. He

said that we are concerned about the taxation on families. He said that we are

for a safe community, the children being able to play without worries of drugs

infested in the area. He said that we are concerned about a holistic approach

to crime prevention. He maintained that we have been proactive in trying to

make crime prevention work.



Rev. Andrews asked for comprehensive crime preventive measures. He said

the larger picture for our community is to look long range. He reiterated that

the City Manager has stated that it has taken ten years to get this tax to the

table, and for that reason, we will not oppose it.



Councilor Barnes said the family is the nucleus and this was one of the

reasons for opening up the Primus King Community Center so that there could be

something in the community for the youth. He maintained there are so many

things that need to be implemented within the community to prevent crime, and

alter a person?s path in life.



Mayor Wetherington recalled that he has always been concerned about

prevention and intervention. He shares the sentiment with Rev. Andrews and

everyone that wants to make Columbus a better place to live and raise a

family. He maintained that he supports those measures regarding crime

prevention and intervention. He said if the LOST passes, he would be

suggesting to the Council that we need to put some measures in place and we

need to back them with resources. He said that he would appoint a commission

that reports to him, and he would be making recommendations to the

Council.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR

HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:



A Resolution (273-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and

if approved accept a $732,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration

for airport improvements.



A Resolution (274-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and

if approved accept an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant for the

Federal Fiscal Year 2008 in the amount of $44,411.



A Resolution (275-08) - Authorizing a request of a variance to the City

Code Section 7.8.3 Design Standards for Streets, paragraph F (1) that requires

a minimum radius of 150 feet for a horizontal curve for Local streets to allow

a 110 foot radius for the loop road of the Baker Village Development Project

for traffic calming purposes.



A Resolution (276-08) - Authorizing a request to declare 0.29 +/- acres of

property at 3228 Levy Road as surplus and authorize the sale of said property

to promote economic development in Columbus South.



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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR HENDERSON

BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:





A Resolution (277-08) - Authorizing the execution of a construction

contract with K H Contracting, LLC, in the amount of $165,531.00, for roofing

services at Muscogee County Prison and a construction contract with Darton

Roofing, Inc., in the amount of $40,882.00, for roofing services at Carver Park

Gym.



A Resolution (278-08) - Authorizing payment to Columbus Fire & Safety in

the amount of $8,730.00 for surveillance equipment repairs at the Bay Avenue

Parking Deck, and $7,915.00 for surveillance equipment repairs at the River

Center Parking Garage; total payment amount is $16,645.00.



A Resolution (279-08) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with Wayne

Evans Auction Company to provide auctioneer services on an ?as needed basis?.



A Resolution (280-08) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with

National Salvage & Service Corporation for railroad demolition and salvage.



A Resolution (281-08) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with J.

Smith Lanier & Co., for the provision of commercial property insurance coverage

and Hamby & Aloisio, Inc., for the provision of crime insurance coverage.



A Resolution (282-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) 14-yard dump

body from Transport Equipment Company (Albany, Ga) in the amount of $12,890.00,

and one (1) cab and chassis from Beck Motor Company (Albany, Ga) in the amount

of $79,934.00.



A Resolution (283-08) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) heavy-duty

portable food warmers from Strategic Equipment (Columbus, Ga) in the amount of

$12,690.00.



A Resolution (284-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) van,

commercial cutaway from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, Ga) in the amount of

$33,726.00.



A Resolution (285-08) - Authorizing the purchase of furniture for the

Animal Shelter from Allsteel (Muscatine, Ia), in the amount of $40,076.48;

Gunlocke (Wayland, Ny), in the amount of $31,109.20 and Malone Office Equipment

(Columbus, Ga), in the amount of $8,940.72.



A Resolution (286-08) - Authorizing the purchase of four (4) 14-passenger

MFSAB Type A School Bus from Bill Heard Chevrolet (Columbus, Ga) in the amount

of $175,600.00.

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FINANCE UPDATE:



City Manager Hugley said that since we would not be having a meeting the

next couple of Tuesdays, we normally do a finance report. He then asked that

Finance Director Pamela Hodge come forward to provide an overview of the

Unaudited Quarterly Revenue Report Summary FY2008 Fourth Quarter. She said

this report is very similar to March and April?s report. She then highlighted

various funds as she read from the prepared report. General Fund- Revenue up

by 1.10%; the Sewer Fund, Paving Fund, Medical Center Fund, Economic

Development and Debt Service Fund are mostly right at 100% of budget. Trade

Center Fund- down by 3.13%; Civic Center Fund- down by 20.12%; Bull Creek Golf

Course Fund- up by 3.30% and Oxbow Creek Golf Course Fund- up 1.63%.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Manager Hugley requested an executive session on real estate acquisition.



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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:





(1) Letter from Ms. Betty J. Middleton, Chief Appraiser, Tax Assessor?s

regarding Goodwill Industries of the Southern River, Inc.?s request regarding

their tax-exempt status for 2007.



(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington submitting biographical

sketches of potential nominees for the Personnel Review Board.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY

CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Application of Ms. Clementine Stephens to temporarily close 49th and 50th

Street from 11th Avenue to 12th Avenue, on Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 9:00

a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in connection with ?BAND Inc. Community Center?s Bi-annual

Health Fair and Community Expo?. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded

by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Councilors Davis and Henderson being absent for this vote.





*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND WAS RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:





Letter from Mr. Walter J. Wright resigning from his position on the

Muscogee County Board of Elections And Registration. Councilor McDaniel moved

it be accepted with regrets. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Davis and Henderson

being absent for this vote.





*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, No. 19-08.

Board of Zoning Appeals, May 7, 2008.



Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by Mayor

Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Councilors Davis and Henderson being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS RECOMMENDED FOR CONDITIONAL

APPROVAL BY BOTH THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION

WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC

HEARING WAS CALLED FOR EACH BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:





Petition submitted by Brandi Williams to rezone .75 acres of property

located at 1049 McBride Drive from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC

(Neighborhood Commercial) district. (18-CA-08-Williams)



Petition submitted by John Thayer to rezone 11.126 acres of property

located at the S.W. corner of Veterans Parkway & Williams Road from SFR1

(Single Family Residential 1) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) district.

(19-CA-08-Greenstone Properties)



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS

AND WAS RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:





Letter of Resignation from Alonza Whitaker resigning from his position as

Recorder's Court Judge. Councilor Hunter moved it be accepted with regrets.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members

present with Councilors Davis and Henderson being absent for this vote.





BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Virgil Thompson has resigned;

this is Council District Seven?s nomination. Councilor Woodson asked if the

nominee has to reside in Council District Seven or could the person have a

business in the district, at which time, Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised

that it typically is someone who resides in the district; however, this is a

district appointment.



*** *** ***



EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Mary A. Strozier-Weaver, the

Business Community Representative, is not eligible to serve another term of

office; this is the Mayor?s Appointment.



*** *** ***



KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. William Green, Mr. Michael

Moshell, Ms. Lynna Spencer and Mr. Stan Stovall are all eligible to serve

another term of office. Ms. Ann Davis, Mr. Greg Paul and Mr. Frank Porter

cannot succeed themselves. Ms. Cheryl Johnson has resigned and Mr. Earnest

Baulkmon is the Council District One representative and would not be serving

another term of office. Councilor Allen renominated the members that were

eligible to serve another term of office.



*** *** ***



PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Robert Taylor has resigned from

his alternate position and Ms. Veronis Hall cannot succeed herself as an

alternate member. (There were no nominations at this time, but see below for

further action on this matter.)



*** *** ***



PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis said that Mr. Timmy Hess has resigned from his

position on this board; he is the Council District Nine representative.



*** *** ***



TAXICAB COMMISSION:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Wallace Archie has resigned from

his driver?s position on this board. There were no nominations. Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh asked that the Clerk?s Office check with the Taxicab Companies to

see if they have drivers that are willing to serve.



TREE BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Gloria Battle is interested in

serving another term of office. Councilor McDaniel renominated Ms. Battle.

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Ms. Mildred Wynne does not wish

to serve another term and Ms. Andrea Richardson is no longer a resident of

Muscogee County; therefore, we would need nominations for these two seats.



*** *** ***





ANIMAL CARE:



Councilor Barnes asked for some assistance from Councilor Hunter on the wording

for the City Attorney to research in reference to the animal care. Councilor

Hunter stated that Councilor Barnes would request the City Attorney?s Office to

check everything within the city ordinances that pertain to animal issues.



Councilor Barnes also requested that staff provide some type of comparison of

the authority that our animal control officers have versus other areas. He

said there should be something in place to stop abuse and insure the safety of

those animals.



*** *** ***



PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Charles Little for Mr. Robert Taylor?s position.

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis said that we would bring this nomination back at

the next meeting for confirmation.



*** *** ***





EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Councilor McDaniel moved the Council go into executive session to discuss

property acquisition. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried

unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Henderson and Davis

being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



Ms. Ollie Tarver came forward to offer some words of commendation to the

leaders of this city and that the citizens should respect those in the

leadership role.



*** *** ***





At 12:25 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into executive

session. At 12:51 p.m., the Council reconvened its regular meeting, at which

time, Mayor Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in executive

session to discuss property acquisition, but there were no votes taken.



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NOTE: Councilors McDaniel and Hunter left the meeting during this portion of

the meeting with the time being 12:52 p.m.

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***--------------------------------------

MOBILE HOME PARK:



Councilor Woodson recalled that recently, there was an electrical fire at

one of the mobile home parks. She asked if the staff from Inspections & Code

Enforcement has been out to the mobile home park to see if there were

electrical problems and if the owner has been cited. She also requested staff

to report what happens when a problem has been identified and how it is handled

with the property owner.



City Manager Hugley asked Deputy City Manager Arrington to come forward to

address the questions from Councilor Woodson.



Deputy City Manager David Arrington advised that the Fire Department as well as

inspectors from the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division have been out there

and continue to monitor that situation along with Georgia Power. He pointed

out that they have done a thorough review of not only that mobile home park but

others as well.



He pointed out that the City does not get directly involved in relocating the

tenants if Georgia Power pulls the power because it is unsafe.



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Davis and

carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with Councilors

Henderson, Hunter and McDaniel having already left the meeting with the time

being 12:55 p.m.





Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia

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