MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:00
A.M., Tuesday, September 10, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem 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 Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry Henderson, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. were absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Marlon Scott, Pastor of the Emmanuel
Christian Community Church.
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PLEDGE: Led by students from Rigdon Road Elementary School.
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LEDGER ENQUIRER?S NEWS REPORTER:
Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to welcome back Mr. Mike Owen with the
Columbus Ledger Enquirer?s Newspaper who was out for a couple of days and got a
clean bill of health. She said Mr. Owen was off duty and out; but usually
covers the news at the Council meeting and said we are glad to have him back.
She said there was an article in the newspaper on the front page this morning
that probably needs a little clarification. She said she is going to make a
statement clarifying that since she didn?t have an opportunity to fill the
Ledger in.
She said we have a process in this City that when there is an Economic
Development opportunity, the Council gets briefed. She said the Council is the
legislative branch that appropriates any funds for the community. She said the
Council has been briefed on this issue once, and she was included in that
briefing. She said there have been no other conversations or briefings that she
knows about related to this particular issue. She said what happens then is
that there is a formal letter submitted and there will be a full staff report
and that staff report is being drafted. She said once that staff report comes
back to the Council; then there will be an open discussion here and then a
formal decision will then be made.
Mayor Tomlinson said to the extent that there was any perception given by
reading the article that the process wasn?t followed then that was an incorrect
perception being given. She said the staff is working on that; she said the
letter was written on the 21st of August and was received on the 28th of
August. She said as we know Pam Hodge, our Finance Director was on vacation for
a week; so the staff is just getting that up and running and said we will bring
it to the Council once that staff report is complete and then our normal
process will follow from there.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
RECYCLE AND WIN PROGRAM:
Mayor Tomlinson said Columbus has been chosen to participate in a Recycle
and Win Program. She said not every community gets access to this program and
said that we are extremely excited about it. She then called forward Mr. Jim
Winkler to introduce the individual who will be making the presentation today.
Mr. Jim Winkler said they are excited and said they have lobbied for the
City of Columbus to be included in this program. He said it will tie into our
recycling center grand opening, if you allow them the opportunity to present
this program. He said Mr. Jim Bailey with Red Moon Marketing, who has
introduced this program to several cities.
Mr. Jim Bailey then came forward and provided information about the
Recycle and Win Program. He said they have a unique program that they started
in 2009 and then went into much detail and gave a twenty minute presentation
and outlined the following information, as detailed below.
OVERVIEW
Coca-Cola believes recycling should be a rewarding experience. We have
partnered with various cities and counties. This program?s goal is to incent
citizens to recycle more and recycle better. He said by teaming up with great
retail partners, residents can win gift certificates if they are caught
recycling the right way.
All single-family household residents are mailed a brochure with an opt-in
sticker explaining the rules.
To opt in, residents place the sticker on their recycling bin and place the bin
at the curb on their regular recycling day containing their recyclables.
RECYCLE AND WIN -HOW IT WORKS
Mailer
Mr. Bailey showed a copy of a mailer and how it is going to look when
mailed to the residents of Muscogee County.
Stickers
A collection of stickers was also shown that will be given to the
residents to show them what items needs to be recycled.
Recycle & Win Prius:
Coca-Cola will loan a Toyota Prius to the public works department to
merchandise the program and for use as a Prize Patrol vehicle to selecting
winners. The Prius is wrapped with program and City of Columbus graphics
Press Conference:
Key Elements include:
Press Conferences are held at either a store location or Government
building/location
Speakers include:
Mayor & City Council Members
State officials (if applicable)
Coca-Cola
Retailer Representative
Press Conference Invitation
Showed what the invitation will look like that will go out to the media
Communication Vehicles:
Direct Mail ? sent to every single family household
Potential in store Point of Sale material in retail locations
Additional Stickers available at retailer Customer Service Desk
Press Conference
City web sites
Television support
Retailer & Coca-Cola PR Support
Results
Recycling Rates
Requests for Recycling Bins/Carts
Participation
Mr. Winkler said they are excited about being here. He said wherever they
have gone; it has helped with not only bringing more people into the franchise
area, but educating people about the right items to recycle.
After Mr. Winkler concluded his presentation, he then responded to
questions of the Mayor & members of the Council.
Director Public Works Pat Beigler said they are really pleased with this
because the recycling rates that they have been seeing historically, is only
about 4% of the trash by weight. She said once the new centers are open, they
are really wanting to see that go to about 40 to 50% recycling by weight and
are thrilled that we can partner with Coca-Cola
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INTERNAL AUDITOR:
BUDGET IMPACT OF PROPOSED NEW HIRE:
Mayor Tomlinson said that our Internal Auditor John Redmond has been in
the process for about 16 to 18 months looking for an Associate Auditor that was
previously approved and funded at a particular level. She said Mr. Redmond has
found, what he believes is a very qualified candidate and thinks that
information has been provided to the Council. She said the hire would be at the
same classification that the Council approved, but at a higher step. She said
there will be an impact of about 29% to his budget, in years going forward; and
said that is something that we wanted to bring to the Council?s attention
before any decision is made to hire and get some direction on that.
Mr. John Redmond came forward and said he wanted to give the Council an
update on what has happened over the last year and a half since you firs
approved the additional position. He then went into many details in outlining
the problems and concerns that he has been experiencing in getting someone for
this Associate Auditor?s position.
Forensic Auditor position was approved and included in FY2013 budget
Position was graded by UGA as a Grade 21, with a salary range of $49,388
-$75,149
During FY2013, we received 14 applications, of which about half met minimum
qualifications
Interview committee recommended one of the qualified candidates for hire
Minimum salary candidate would accept was $74,000, which we rejected
Comparable positions are paying $100,000 -$150,000 in larger markets
In FY2014, we have received six additional applications, of which two are fully
qualified and a third one will be by December
Each of these candidates are currently earning above the mid-point for this
position
Our top candidate holds two Bachelor?s Degree?s; Finance and Accounting
Master?s Degree in Forensic Accounting
Professional Certifications of Certified Public Accountant, Certified Forensic
Accountant, Certified Forensic Consultant
Currently pursuing Certified Fraud Examiner
25+ Years of experience in auditing & consulting & two publications on
forensics
Will have to offer above mid-point to hire candidate (market price adjustment)
due to scarcity of qualified candidates
Will have no impact on FY2014 budget, due to delay of hiring date to December
2, 2013
Will require about $15,000 more in FY2015 budget for Internal Audit
Candidate is well-qualified in all aspects for the position
Candidate can have immediate impact of value-added services to City
Candidate is qualified for the top position, when a successor becomes necessary
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then
made a motion to approve the request of Mr. Redmond to allow him to hire an
individual above the mid-range in the pay grade; which will have an impact of
approximately $15,000 to his budget going forward beginning with FY-2015.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Several members of the Council expressed their views regarding this
matter, after which Mr. Redmond then responded to questions of the Council.
After more than twenty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, the
question was then called on the earlier motion of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh,
which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
Councilor Henderson said this goes in line with some of the discussions
that we have had about some of the recent hires; that although budget neutral
sometimes money spent is money not saved. He said he wants to call for an oral
resolution, to be followed up by a written resolution so that we have it in the
record. He said while we are in this hiring freeze and this struggling budget
position we are in; he wants to make an oral resolution and asked that it to be
voted on. He said he would ask that we bring any hires that are brought in
above a Step ?C?; even if it?s budget neutral, he thinks that we own the
citizens the opportunity to see us debate the merits of not saving that money
by bringing someone in at an entry level. He said it?s temporary until we get
out of the economy we are in and the budget situation we are in.
He then offered that motion for the Council?s consideration. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes.
City Attorney Fay said you can vote today on an oral resolution and then
follow it up on next week.
Councilors Davis and Woodson said that they would like to see the
resolution in writing before they vote on the matter.
After some discussion on this matter, Councilor Henderson then withdrew
his motion.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:______________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 4037 and 4043 Arcacia Drive
from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) to RO (Residential Office) zoning
district. The purpose of the rezoning is for a parking lot for St. Francis
Hospital.
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 4119, 4121, 4123 Maxwell
Street; 4152, 4148, 4142 St. Francis Avenue; 4042, 4036, 4030 and 4031 Arcacia
Drive, from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) to RO (Residential Office)
zoning district. The purpose of the rezoning is for a parking lot for St.
Francis Hospital.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Bill Pound, of Hatcher, Stubbs law firm, Mr. Rick Lowe, Chief
Administrator of St. Francis Hospital came forward to make a presentation on
behalf of the two proposed rezoning ordinances, as outlined above.
Mr. Pound said they need some more parking spaces and then went into much
detail in outlining their proposed project.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL: ___________________________________________________
A Resolution (288-13) ? Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to relieve landlocked lots as 9240
River Road. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present and voting, with Councilors Henderson abstaining and Councilors Allen
and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
REVEREND WILLIAM B. HOWELL, REPRESETNING THE COLUMBUS CHAPTER OF OPERATION
PUSH, RE: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BOULEVARD ROAD
PROJECT:____ _______
Reverend William B. Howell, representing Columbus Chapter Operation Push,
to speak to the subject of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard road project
did not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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MR. TIMOTHY L. FROST, REPRESENTING CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY DOWN SYNDROME
ASSOCIATION, RE: THE 2013 BUDDY WALK CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY DOWN SYNDROME
ASSOCIATION:__________________________________________________
Mr. Timothy L. Frost, representing Chattahoochee Valley Down Syndrome
Association, came forward and provided information to the Mayor and Council on
the 2013 Buddy Walk Chattahoochee Valley Down Syndrome Association, as well as
advised of a walk that will be held on October 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
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MR. OWEN DITCHFIELD, REPRESENTING SOUTH COLUMBUS CONCERNED CITIZENS, RE:
THE TAKE PRIDE IN SOUTHSIDE II EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,
2013:______________________
Mr. Owen Ditchfield, representing South Columbus Concerned Citizens, came
forward to invite the Mayor and Council to attend Re: The Take Pride in the
Southside II event on Saturday, September 14, 2013.
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MR. JIM RHODES, RE: MOON ROAD AND KEY TO THE CITY:
Mr. Jim Rhodes came forward and expressed the concerns and problems that
they have been experiencing with the traffic on Moon Road and said he is very
happy to see that the City is now moving forward to solve these problems.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
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A Resolution (289-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Robinson Paving Company (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$4,925,800.90 for the widening of Moon Road from Whittlesey Boulevard to Wilbur
Drive. The section of Moon Road is a two lane road and the project will widen
the roadway to three lanes, with turning lanes at street intersections. The
construction improvements also include all drainage structures, curb and
gutters, traffic signals, pavement markings, and other appurtenances.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____
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A Resolution (290-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a $4,000 donation
from
an anonymous donor for the Cooper Creek Tennis Center to be used for items,
supplies or equipment needed at the Tennis Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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A Resolution (291-13) ? Authorizing the approval to accept a Quit Claim
Deed from the Muscogee County School District for a portion of Algonquin Drive
for conveyance to the Board of Regent for part of Columbus State University
Campus. This action is to complete terms of the Memorandum of Understanding
approved by Council in Resolution #172-09.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilors Davis and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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A Resolution (292-13) ? Authorizing the Authorization is requested to
execute
a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Government providing for
concurrent jurisdiction at the National Infantry Museum that will provide
additional pubic safety to be available for response to emergencies at the
National
Infantry Museum.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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A Resolution (293-13) ? Authorizing the Authorization is requested to
execute
a Department of Transportation Option for Right of Way" to be able to execute a
"Quit- Claim Deed" with the Department of Transportation (GDOT) for property
owned by the City on S.R. 982/Talbotton Road/ Warm Springs Road Widening
from Hamilton Road to Twenty-third Avenue in Muscogee County. An agenda
report, resolution, deeds and maps are attached. Click link to access
documents (4)
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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A Resolution (294-13) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application
and, if approved, accept a grant (with no local match) from the Governor's
Office
for Children and Families for $490,743 and renew the Nurse-Family Partnership
Implementation Agreement with Nurse-Family Partnership.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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A Resolution (295-13) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application
and, if approved, accept $297,815, with no local match, from the Governor's
Office for Children and Families to fund parent education through evidenced
based, home visitation model strategy under Early Childhood System of Care.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN
AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:_______
A Resolution (296-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Ruffie Way
and that portion of Kitten Lake Drive located in Kitten Lake (replat of Phase
One parcel 300). The Department of Engineering has inspected this street and
recommends the acceptance.
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A Resolution (297-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of that portion of
Wisteria Lane, that portion of Trailing Ivy Court and that portion of Mountain
Ivy Drive located in Section One, Phase One North Ivy Park. The Department of
Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the acceptance.
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THE FOLLOWING NINE PURCHASING 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 DAVIS
AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:______________________________________________________
A Resolution (298-13) ? It is requested that Council authorize the
execution of a construction contract with Alexander Contracting Company, Inc.
(Fortson, GA) in the amount of $1,347,747.05 for the construction of a
roundabout at the intersection of South Lumpkin Road and Columbus Water Works
Road.
The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, providing approximately
3,500 linear feet of road pavement improvements, including all drainage
structures; providing pavement markings, traffic signs, lighting, and
landscaping; and providing traffic control and warning devices.
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A Resolution (299-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1) D4K2
track type tractor from Yancey Bros. Company, (Fortson, GA) in the amount of
$106,900.00, by cooperative purchase via National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA)
Contract #060311-CAT. The tractor was approved for FY14 via the Integrated
Waste Equipment Purchases [Special Projects II], and will be used at the
landfill for covering and maintaining the items taken in at the landfill. This
is new equipment.
The purchase will be accomplished via Request for Proposal (RFP) Contract
#060311-CAT, initiated by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), whereby
Caterpillar, was one of the successful vendors contracted to provide Heavy
Construction Equipment. The contract, which commenced July 19, 2011, is good
through July 19, 2015. The National Joint Powers Alliance is a Service
Cooperative created by Minnesota Statute 123A.21. This statute was created in
1978 and revised in 1995 to allow participating governmental and municipal
agencies to reduce the cost of purchased goods by leveraging their combined
purchasing power. The bid process utilized by National Joint Powers Alliance
meets the requirements of the City?s Procurement Ordinance; additionally,
cooperative purchasing is authorized per Article 9-101 of the Procurement
Ordinance.
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A Resolution (300-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase It is
requested that Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Supplement Lease
under the GMA Direct Lease Program for the purchase of the one (1) D4K2 track
type tractor at a unit price of $106,900.00.
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A Resolution (301-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase It is
requested that Council approve the purchase of four (4) grab-alls (2014
Freightliner M2 106 w/Petersen Lightning Loader) from Peach State Freightliner,
(Norcross, GA) at a unit price of $113,977.00, for a total price of
$455,908.00, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-SPD0000039-0002.
One (1) grab-all was approved in FY13 and three (3) in FY14 via the Integrated
Waste Equipment Purchases [Special Projects II] utilizing GMA Leasing. These
vehicles will be used by the staff of Waste Management (Recycling) to load
trash and remove debris off the roadway. This is new equipment.
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A Resolution (302-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase It is
requested that Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Supplement Lease
under the GMA Direct Lease Program for the purchase of the four (4) grab-alls
at a unit price of $113,977.00, for a total price of $455,908.00.
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A Resolution (303-13) ? Authorizing the approval to make payment to ESRI
(Redlands, California) in the amount of $37,506.16, for the annual ArcGIS
Software Maintenance and License covering the period from November 16, 2013
through November 15, 2014. ESRI is the developer of various software packages
used by the GIS Division, and other departments, for map generation, as well
as, editing and maintaining the City?s tax parcels, streets zoning and land use
databases. Consequently, the vendor is considered an Only Known Source for the
maintenance and support of the software, per Section 3-114 of the Procurement
Ordinance.
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A Resolution (304-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase three (3)
animal control truck cab and chassis? (2014 Ford F-250 X2A), from Benson Ford,
(Easley, SC) at a unit price of $22,099.00, for a total of $66,297.00; and
three (3) animal control truck bodies (Jackson Creek Custom CM97), from Jackson
Creek MFG (Denton, NC) at a unit price of $21,328.63, for a total price of
$63,985.89. The grand total is $130,282.89. The trucks were approved via the
FY13 Vehicle Replacement Program (VRP) to be used by staff of the Special
Enforcement Division, of the Public Works Department, to transport animals.
These are replacement units.
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A Resolution (305-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase swim gear for
the estimated annual contract value of $29,146.50 from The Lifeguard Store,
Inc. The Parks & Recreation Department will purchase, on an ?as needed basis?,
various swim gear such as: 2-piece swim outfits, shorts, swim trunks, caps and
sun visors for pool staff and swimming instructors. The contract term shall be
for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month
periods, contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
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A Resolution (306-13) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract with
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated to provide exclusive soft drink pouring
rights and soft drink vending services at various parks and recreation
locations.
The vendor will furnish all required products, equipment, and labor to insure
refreshments are available for visitors at the various parks and recreation
locations
The term of the contract shall be for ten (10) years. During the 10-year term
of the contract, the vendor will provide monetary incentives to the City to
assist with the purchase of equipment, such as scoreboards; as well as, other
incentives.
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RIVERBANK STABILIZATION UPDATES:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and gave an update on the
stabilization of the Riverbank.
After providing a detailed report to the Mayor & Council as to what they
feel caused the problem, Deputy City Manager Arrington then responded to
several questions of the Mayor and Council.
After continued discussion on this subject, with members of the Council
expressing their views and concerns regarding this matter, after which
Councilor Barnes then made a motion to allow the staff to proceed with the
emergency purchase to stabilize the Riverbank; and approve the $1.315 million
to be taken from the OLOST infrastructure and project savings. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Davis and McDaniel being
absent.
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UPDATE ON FORREST ROAD:
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Deputy City Manager Arrington
gave a brief update on the Forrest Road project. He said that the right-of-way
acquisition is continuing and said we have two contractors on the eastern
portion, from Woodruff Farm Road, Floyd Road out to Schatulga Road; and said
they are making good process. He said there were several closings scheduled
this week on right-of-way. He said they are making process and we are looking
to go out for construction bids after the first of the year.
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UPDATE ON THE RIVERWALK- STATE DOCK:
City Manager Hugley said he while Deputy City Manager Arrington and
Director of Engineer, Donna Newman were present, he would like for them to give
a brief update on the Riverwalk Wooden Bridge below the State Dock. He said we
came to you after hearing some concerns about the slippery condition of the
bridge; and said we told you that we would do the work out there within 4 ? 6
weeks.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the contractor got on site and did the
work that they were contracted to do, as far as pressure washing the bridge,
some drilling holes and the painting of the bridge. He said within the last
week they have completed the no-slip surface. He said John Hudginson did an
excellent job in putting together the plan, as well as executing it.
He then showed some before and after pictures of the work. He said the
bridge is now open to the public.
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REMOLDING OF THE COMER RECREATION CENTER:
Councilor Henderson said he would like to congratulate Deputy City Manager
Arrington and thank him for the work done in the restoration of the Comer
Recreation Center. He said it is so important to try to retain some history in
this area. He said it was a great day.
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BASKETBALL COURT AT COMER GYM:
Councilor Thomas it was a good outing and said to her, it will always be
the Comer Auditorium. She said she would like for us to refer to the Board of
Honor, a request to consider naming the Basketball Court at Comer Gym in honor
of Mr. Fred Hyder, who was the Recreation Director at Bibb Mill in the 1940s.
She said he was the Catalyst for the Bid Invitational, which was a yearly
basketball tournament that was held at this facility. He said he would like for
us to consider naming the court after him because of all of the work that he
did on that court.
She then made a motion that this request be forwarded to the Board of
Honor. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for
the meeting.
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BUSINESSES ON 6TH AVENUE:
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to look at some concerns of
those businesses on Sixth Avenue where there has been construction taking
place, where businesses have been experiencing some problems and concerns
during this construction.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_________________________________________________
(1) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street to 11th Street, from noon on Friday, September 13 to noon on Sunday,
September 15, 2013, in connection with ?Bikes on Broadway?.
(2) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 Block of
Broadway, on Saturday, October 5, 2013 fro m 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in
connection with ?Wounded Warrior Post Race Concert?.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 31-13.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, June 20, 2013.
Personnel Review Board, August 21, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, June 19, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, July 17, 2013.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Davis and
McDaniel being absent.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
Terry Gumbert, Mrs. Jo McDaniel and Dr. Brook Glass, Jr. on the Animal Control
Advisory Board would expire on October 15, 2013. She further pointed out that
Mr. Gumbert and Mrs. McDaniel are eligible to succeed themselves for another
term office. She also pointed out that Dr. Brooks Glass, Jr., who represents
the
Veterinary Association is not eligible to succeed him and that we will contact
them to provide a successor for Dr. Glass.
Councilor Henderson nominated Mr. Gumbert and Mrs. McDaniel for another
term of office. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at
our next regular meeting for confirmation.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating
Ms. Becca Hardin to succeed Ms. Gloria Strode, Ms. Katonga Wright for another
term of office and Ms. Debbie Lane to succeed Mr. Colin Martin and advised that
each of them may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Davis and McDaniel being
absent.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating
Mr. Mark Burnette to succeed Captain Vince Pasko as the Public Safety
representative on the Employees Pension Board of Trustees. Councilor Henderson
moved he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen,
Davis and McDaniel being absent.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are waiting to hear back
from the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission with a recommendation for someone
to fill Mr. Robert Nobles? at-large position due to him serving on another
board.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX PLANNING BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Frank Dunford?s term has
expired and that he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
Councilor Henderson then nominated him for another term of office. Clerk of
Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next regular meeting
for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor & Council must
nominate someone from their respective districts for the 2013 - 2014 school
year.
She said that we still need nominees for Council District Two, Council
District Three, Council District Six and Council District Seven.
*** *** ***
COUNCIL WORK SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson said that we will have a Work Session on next Tuesday,
September 17th at 9:00 a.m.
*** ***
***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay, to go into an executive
session, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a potential litigation matter. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Davis absent for this vote and Councilors
Allen and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
At 11:55 a.m. the meeting was adjourned to go into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 12:07 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time, Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to discuss a
potential litigation matter, but there were no votes taken.
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present, with Councilors Allen, and McDaniel being absent
for the meeting, with the time of adjournment being 12:09 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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