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%.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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