MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 28, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:40
P.M., Tuesday, May 28, 2013, on the Plaza Level of the Government Center,
Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn
Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson was Mayor Pro TemTurner Pugh and
Councilors R. Gary Allen, , Mike Baker Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Bruce
Huff ,Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson., City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis were also present.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilors Jerry ?Pops? Barnes and Charles E. McDaniel w as absent.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley was also absent, but was represented by Deputy City
Manager David Arrington.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***--------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Chuck Griffith, Pastor - Trinity Temple Assembly of
God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***--------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEDGE: Led by the participants in the Parks & Recreation Afterschool
Campers Program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAYOR?S AGENDA:
After calling the meeting to order, Mayor Tomlinson apologized for the
meeting starting late, but pointed out that the Council had been in Budget
Session since 2:00 o?clock this afternoon and said there was a necessity for a
short break, but said we will try to make up the time. She said she would like
to congratulate everyone on a wonderful Memorial Day and the grand opening of
our whitewater course and said over 900 rafters went down the river this
weekend and 600 individuals participated in the Dragon Boat races.
She said she hoped everyone took time to remember those who paid the
ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, which is what it is all about those who
allow us to enjoy those freedoms.
Mayor Tomlinson also asked everyone to keep in their thoughts and prayers,
the two injured firefighters, Chris Curtis and David Smith, who was injured in
a fire on Friday evening in their prayers. She said we appreciate your heroism
in all that you do
BRIEFING ON ?NEED FOR SPEED? MOVIE FILMING IN COLUMBUS:
Deputy City Manager Arrington, at the request of Mayor Tomlinson, gave a
report of the street closing of the 13th Street Bridge that will take place on
next week to allow for the filing of the ?Need for Speed? Movie.
Mr. Kyle "Snappy" Oliver, Assistant Location Manager for NFS Productions,
LLC/Dreamworks Studios, Mr. Patrick Mignano, Supervising Location Manager for
NFS Productions, LLC/Dreamworks Studios expressed their gratitude and
appreciation to the City of Columbus for allowing them to be here this week and
allowing them to be able to use this road to film the movie.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION GRANT FUNDING:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DIRECTOR SETH
BROWN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________
_________________________________________ ___
A Resolution (173-13) ? Approving the award of a $128,000 Crime Prevention
Grant to the Columbus Police Department for the DARE to be GREAT Program.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded b
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Huff being absent for the vote and
Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
____
__________
An Ordinance (13-20) ? Rezoning property located at 5205 Buena Vista Road,
from a GC (General Commercial) to an SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) Zoning
district. (4-A-13-Brudent) The proposed use is for a Personal Care Home. Type
I.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
An Ordinance (13-21) ? Rezoning property located at southern portion of
4040 Veterans Court from a GC (General Commercial) with conditions to an RO
(Residential Office) Zoning district. (3-A-13-SAAB Investment & Hospitality,
LLC/Hayes) The proposed use is for Multifamily Apartments (Senior Housing
Community.)
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded b Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Baker pointed out that he notified the Clerk of Council on last
week that he represents one of the parties involved and said he will be
abstaining from the vote.
Mayor Tomlinson said we took a vote at last week?s Council meeting to
allow him to abstain and then asked if we have to renew it, to which City
Attorney Fay said we do not.
Councilor Henderson also pointed out that he too notified the Clerk of
Council that he represents one of the petitioners and will be abstaining as
well.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if we need a motion to allow the abstention, to
which City Attorney Fay said we had it on the record on last week.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion to adopt the
ordinance, which carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
and voting, with Councilors Baker and Henderson abstaining and Councilors
Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
An Ordinance (13-22) ? Amending Chapter 21 of the Columbus Code revising
requirements pertaining to registered taxicabs in Columbus, Georgia; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
______________
__________________________________________
A Resolution (174-13) ? Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement to create buildable lots at 7747 Layfield
Road. The proposed use is for rural/ residential.
City Attorney Fay asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on this
matter, but there were none.
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 Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF THE MAYOR, THE FOLLOWING TWO
RESOLUTIONS WERE CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS; EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY
CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
__________ _______________
A Resolution (175-13) ? Authorizing the execution of an Assignment of
Lease Agreement with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for management of the Chattahoochee
River Park to Uptown Whitewater Management, LLC.
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 Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (176-13) ?Authorizing the approval to enter into a Memorandum
of Agreement with the Housing Authority for the redevelopment of Booker T.
Washington Apartment Revitalization plan dated April 2013.
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 Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA IS LISTED BELOW IS
A SUMMARY OF THEIR PRESENTATION:
_______
__________________________________________
MR. MANUEL WHITFIELD, RE: INMATE VISITATION:
Mr. Manuel Whitfield came forward and expressed concerns with him not
being able to go and visit an inmate at the Muscogee County Jail. He said he
had previously put some monies on the books for one of the inmates and after he
learned that was against policy of the jail, he no longer continued to do that;
however, his name was taken off of the Minister?s list for him to be able to go
visit at the Muscogee County jail.
Sheriff John Darr was present in the Council Chambers and came forward and
went into some details in explaining the situation and the reason Mr.
Whitfield?s name was taken off the list.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Sheriff Darr if he would take the opportunity to sit
down and discuss this matter with her and Mr. Whitfield to see if we can come
to some kind of resolution on the matter, to which Sheriff Darr said he would
be willing to do so.
*** *** ***
MS. KATHY EVERS, REPRESENTING HISTORIC DISTRICT PRESERVATION SOCIETY, RE:
REQUESTING METRA?S PARKING ENFORCMENT BE
EXPANDED:____________
________________________
Ms. Kathy Evers, representing Historic District Preservation Society, came
forward and went into some details in explaining to the Mayor & Council the
problems that they have been having with parking in the Historic District. She
pointed out that there were police officers who patrols the district were not
familiar with the parking situation and ordinance that is to enforce the
parking in the area. She requested that METRA?s authority be expanded to
include the area in Historic District downtown. .
Ms. Saundra Hunter, Director of METRA was present in the Council Chambers
and came forward and responded to questions and concerns of Ms. Evers with
regards to parking in the Historic District. Re: A request to expand METRA
Parking enforcement.
After several minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Tomlinson asked
Ms. Evers to allow us to have Deputy City Manager Goodwin to look into these
concerns and that we will get back in contact with her.
*** *** ***
MR. TOLLIE STRODUE, RE: BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Tollie Strode, who requested to be listed on tonight?s Agenda to speak
to the subject of Budget recommendations, did not respond when given the
opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
MR. KEN BOWRON, JR., RE: REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC COLUMBUS SECONDARY
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL INTO AN INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING FACILITY:
____ ____________________
Mr. Ken Bowron, Jr., came forward and provided a detailed presentation,
providing information on the rehabilitation of the Historic Columbus Secondary
Industrial School, which they have plans to turn it into an independent Senior
Living facility.
Mr. Bowron then responded to several questions and concerns of the Mayor
and members of the Council.
*** *** ***
MS. LAKESHA STRINGER, REPRESENING THE COLUMBUS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM &
ARCHIEVES, RE: REQUESTING A MEMORIAL MARKER BE PLACED
DOWNTOWN:_________ __________
Ms. Lakesha Stringer, representing The Columbus Black History Museum &
Archives, appeared before the Council requesting that a memorial marker be
placed downtown. She also read a clipping from a newspaper article of an
incident that occurred sometime back in May of 1940. She said she would like
to ask the Mayor and Council to make a public apology for the way these two
individuals was treated during that time
There was an exchange of discussion between the Mayor and Ms. Stringer.
Ms. Stringer also responded to several questions of the members of Council with
regards to raising the funding for the placement of the historic marker.
*** *** ***
MR. JEROME LAWSON, RE: MEMORIAL MARKER:
Mr. Jerome Lawson, also came forward and expressed his strong comments
and concerns regarding this incident and gave encouraging words that we should
all come together and work for a greater cause and not allow this to happen
again. .
*** *** ***
MR. NATHANIEL SANDERSON, RE: COLUMBUS POLICE
DEPARTMENT:__________________________________________________
_
Mr. Nathaniel Sanderson, came forward and expressed his concerns regarding the
Columbus Police Department and several issues that have been occurring with the
department. He asked Mayor Tomlinson to possible look at launching an
investigation regarding this matter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY
CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT
THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS BARNES
AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:______________
_______________________
A Resolution (177-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the resolution and the
filing of the FY 2014 Annual Action Plan and applications requesting
Entitlement funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME
Investment Partnership (HOME).
A Resolution (178-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of deeds to portions of
Midtown Drive and parcel for designating as a perpetual driveway to serve
Muscogee County School District Administrative Building, Library and the City
Services Center.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF
DISCUSSION:_
A Resolution (179-13) ?Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept the 2013 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorize to enter into an
agreement with Columbus Housing Authority to be a co-applicant and partner in
the implementation of the grant. Choice Neighborhoods is a highly competitive
grant that awards up to $500,000 to eligible applicants to produce a
"Transformation Plan" for blighted neighborhood. Historic Columbus has
committed to the $10,000 match to assist in leveraging the grant.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Thomas said she read the information that was given to the
Council regarding this grant application and she had some concerns about some
of the information that was included. She said as she understands it; we are
talking about applying for a grant that would enable us to product a
transformation plan for the area from 18th Street.
Ms. Amy Carbajal, the Director of the Department of Community Development
said it is from Chase Homes, the public housing development, which is located
on 2nd Avenue, north to just south of Bibb City. She said it is that section
between Uptown and Bibb City, First and Second Avenue. She said id it known as
City Village. She said that was original subdivision plat, called City Valley;
however, very few people refer to it as that. She said they are not sure when
the name got lost.
Ms. Carbajal responded to further questions of Councilor Thomas. Mayor
Tomlinson also pointed out that this is part of the Second Avenue
Revitalization area that has been studied twice, once in the 1980s and then
again in the 1990s; but nothing ever was going there. She said now there is
some interest because of the improvement of Bibb City, as well as the interest
along the river and the City owning property there; seeing if there is any
viability to a revitalization effort.
Councilor Thomas said as she understands it, in order for the plan to be
acceptable, it must address a distressed public housing community, and said
that is Chase Homes, to which Ms. Carbajal said that is correct.
After further discussion on this matter, with Ms. Carbajal responding to
further questions of Councilor Thomas, Mayor Tomlinson then called the question
on the earlier motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY
CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT,
WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:_____
________________________________
A Resolution (180-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase a strip of
property off McKee Road adjacent to the City's radio tower for $10,000 from
Columbus Bank & Trust for ownership access to the tower.
A Resolution (181-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved, accept $368,535 from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for
operation of Muscogee County Adult Felony Drug Court from July 1, 2013 to June
30, 2014. The local match will be handled through in-kind service.
A Resolution (182-13) ? Authorizing the approval to accept a 2011 State
Homeland Security Grant for terrorism prevention and protection for $25,000 for
the Police Department. This grant is administered by the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency with no local match.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________
___________________________
A Resolution (183-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation to allow the City
to bid and build a Quick Response project funded by the Department. The project
will construct a travel lane along the eastbound off ramp to Veterans Parkway
in the amount of $310,632.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
BTW REDEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Referring back to Resolution Number, 176-13, which was listed as Item
Number Two on the City Manager?s agenda, but was called up during the City
Attorney?s Agenda, Deputy City Manager Arrington said there was some language
in the final resolution that was posted online but the Council members did not
receive a copy of it, and it basically clarified the pro-rata share of the
proceeds that would come from either a sale or the lease of commercial property
at the BTW site. He said that Councilor Davis had previously asked for
clarification on this matter and said this language was to provide that
clarification.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to amend the resolution, as
adopted. Seconded by Councilor Baker.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked City Attorney Fay if he has any questions on
the amendment, to which he said he does not. He said that?s appropriate and he
would advise that Council vote on the amendment and then take a revote on the
adopted resolution.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the amendment to the
resolution, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the amended
resolution relating to the Housing Authority?s redevelopment of BTW. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCLOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND ABSENT FOR
THIS MEETING:___________________
A Resolution (184-13) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract for Legal
Services for Real Estate Closings with The Beil Law Firm and Nicolson, Ray &
Turner, LLC. Council is also requested to approve a contract for Legal
Services for HOME Program with Posey, Moye & Cartledge, LLP. The City is
administering programs and various projects involving land acquisition and
disposition. The legal services are required on an ?as needed basis?, and will
be performed in accordance with all applicable Georgia Laws.
Two qualified attorneys will be utilized on a rotation basis for legal services
for real estate closings, governed by cost and availability. One attorney will
be utilized for Legal Services for HOME Program Residential and Commercial
Loans. The contractors shall provide the following services at various
locations:
1. Examination of title to any property
2. Preparation of all closing documents necessary to close on property
3. Prepare formal closing with seller of property
4. Provide Title Insurance and close within 30 working days of receipt of sales
contract.
5. Specialize in Real Estate Law.
6. Provide HUD-1 and HUD-1A Settlement Statements.
7. Provide Escrow Trust Account Balance Sheet.
8. Provide Borrower/Buyer Settlement Statement & Confirmation.
9. Provide Seller Settlement Statement & Confirmation.
10. Provide Seller 1099?s and Taxpayer ID Certification.
The term of the contract shall be for two years, with an option to renew for
three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent
upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractors.
A Resolution (185-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase eight (8)
Recycle Garbage Trucks (2013 Peterbilt 320 cab and chassis/New Way 25-yd King
Cobra Rear Loader body), from Consolidated Disposal Systems, Inc., (Smyrna, GA)
in the amount of $188,786.00 per unit, for a total of $1,510,288.00. Each
truck will be outfitted with a 4.0 yd Glass, High Dump, Split Compartment
Recycle Glass Bin and two (2) Rotary Cart Flippers, for the additional cost of
$17,473.00 per unit, for a total additional cost of $139,784.00. The cost of
each Garbage Recycle Truck outfitted with recycle glass bin and flipper arms is
$206,259.00 each, for a grand total of $1,650,072.00.
These vehicles were approved via the FY12 Midyear and FY13 Integrated Waste
Capital Purchases. The Waste/Recycling Collection Division will use these
replacement vehicles.
The purchase will be accomplished by cooperative purchasing, utilizing an IFB
awarded by the Harris County Board of Commissioners. The IFB was released for
bid on May 18, 2012, with a deadline to receive bids of June 7, 2012.
Consolidated Disposal Systems, Inc., was deemed the most responsive bidder, and
was awarded the bid on June 19, 2012. The bid process utilized by Harris
County meets the requirements of the City?s Procurement Ordinance;
additionally, cooperative purchasing is authorized per Article 9-101 of the
Procurement Ordinance
A Resolution (186-13) ? Authorizing the approval for the execution of a
Supplement Lease under the GMA Direct Lease Program for the purchase of the
eight (8) Recycle Garbage Trucks, cited above in item B-1, in the amount of
$206,259.00 each, for a grand total of $1,650,072.00
A Resolution (187-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase seven (7)
pairs of Rotary Flippers, furnished and installed, from Consolidated Disposal
Systems, Inc., (Smyrna, GA) in the amount of $6,975 per unit, for a total of
$48,825. Installation will be performed on existing 25-yd garbage trucks.
The flippers were approved via the FY12 Midyear and FY13 Integrated Waste
Capital Purchases. Equipment to be installed includes: dual lifter diverter
valve, hand valve, hoses, fittings; two (2) Barker rotary flippers Model
HB14-45; double hydraulic valve, hoses and handles; includes installation of
units, as well as, fabrication of flipper protection stops from commercial rear
load containers. The equipment will be used by the Waste/Recycling Collection
Division. The flippers are needed on the garbage trucks to allow the trucks to
also be used for the new recycling program. The flippers will enable the
trucks to pick up and empty the 96-gallon recycling carts that will be used in
the City?s eight pilot areas, and in other areas of the City as the program
expands. New trucks are being ordered with flippers installed and the existing
fleet is being retrofitted as funding allows. This is new equipment. The
existing garbage trucks were purchased from Consolidated Disposal Systems,
Inc., and modifications to the trucks are proprietary in nature. Therefore,
the vendor is considered an Only Known Source, per Section 3-114 of the
Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (188-13) ? Authorizing the approval to trade of six (6)
surplus sedans in exchange for four (4) surplus school buses from the Muscogee
County School District. The Public Works Department currently uses three (3)
old school buses received from the School District via a previously approved
trade, per Resolutions #462-08 and #331-04. These buses were converted to
transport inmates to and from the Muscogee County Prison to the Solid Waste
Collection Division and the Fleet Shop. These buses have now become too costly
to maintain and need major mechanical repairs. They meet the requirements for
salvage in both miles and years. Therefore, it would not be cost effective to
repair these vehicles.
A Resolution (189-13) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, for the state mandated solid waste disposal
fees in the amount of $54,933.88. A total of 74,739.98 tons of solid waste was
disposed, at Pine Grove Landfill, between January 1, 2012 and December 31,
2013.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE AGENDA AT THE REQUEST OF
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON:
_
A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval to negotiate and execute a
contract with Amerisys/USIS and Public Risk Underwriters (Oviedo, FL) to
provide Workers Compensation Managed Care Services. The cost projections are as
follows: (1) Estimated first year administrative cost for medical management
and adjusting services in the amount of $385,000; (2) Loss control services,
which would include some services not currently available, would be an
additional $24,000 the first year, decreasing thereafter.
This contract will be accomplished by cooperative purchasing using Georgia
State Wide Contract #40300-222-DAS0000030. The contract term will begin
September 1, 2013. Additionally, the contract term will continue in accordance
with the Georgia State Contract and any forthcoming contract
renewals/extensions.
The 51% increase in workers compensation claims expense over the last five
years, combined with the changing face of healthcare nationally, has made it
necessary for the City to look at switching its program from a panel system of
doctors to a Managed Care Organization (MCO) system. The additional
considerations of providing better service to our employees while managing
claims in a more directed manner to reduce overall costs support this change to
our program. Our current provider?s administrative charges for FY13 are
greater than $451,000. Some services available to the City through the change
are not offered by our current provider. It is anticipated that workers
compensation claims costs for FY13 will approach $3.5 million. Dramatic
reductions in costs cannot be achieved overnight, but without this change in
the City?s direction the dramatic rise in claims costs will continue. The best
interests of CCG, its taxpayers and its employees will be served by making this
change.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND WAS DELAYED AGAIN DUE TO AN INCONCLUSIVE VOTE:
______ _________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval to purchase furniture for the
Recycling Center from Malone Office Environments (Columbus, GA) in the amount
of $42,583.88 (which equates to the actual bid amount of $45,892.73 minus the
$3,308.85 savings shown below). The furniture consists of a desk, a credenza,
various types of chairs, various types of tables to be used in the
education/training area, lobby, break rooms and contractor?s office at the
facility.
The furniture required at the Recycling Center. Furniture currently being
utilized has been identified to replace some of the furniture requested to be
purchased for the Recycling Center. This furniture will become available after
departments move to the Citizens Service Center. The potential savings amount
to $3,308.85.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and resulted in an inconclusive vote of 5 to 3, with
Councilors Baker, Henderson, Huff, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh voting yes and Councilors Allen, Davis and Thomas voting no, with
Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
MOVE TO THE NEW CITIZENS SERVICE CENTER:
Deputy City Manager Arrington said he included in the Council?s information
Packet, he provided a memorandum through the City Manager to the Council
concerning our anticipated move into the new Citizens Service Center, which is
scheduled to begin a week from Friday. He said they will begin moving the Tax
Commissioner, Tax Assessors, Revenue, Elections & Registration, Parks &
Recreation, Deputy City Manager for Operations, and the 311 Center to move to
the new Citizen Service Center to be operational effective June 10th.
He said the only exception to that will be the Tax Commissioner?s Office.
He said as Ms. Huff explained in her budget comments earlier on today, the
first of the month and the end of the month, as well as the first of the week
and the end of the week are all busy times for her and said out of a concern
for customer service, she asked to have the schedule adjusted to where she
didn?t have to move at that time. He said she selected to June 25th, which is
closer to the middle of the month and middle of the week, which will two weeks
after the rest of the departments move into the facility.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the first scheduled Council meeting to
be held in the new Council Chambers will be on July 9th , which will be the
first business meeting in July. He said between the moving day of June 10th and
the first Council meeting on July 9th, we will be holding several orientation
sessions for the Mayor, Council and other boards/commissions that utilize the
Council Chambers for meetings to familiarize you with the technology and the
new surroundings.
He said that schedule will be published in a few weeks after they get the rest
o the people moved in over there. He said the Natatorium will come on line
shortly thereafter.
Councilor Thomas said she would hope that we will make an aggressive
effort to let the public know when these departments are going to move, and
which ones are going to move. She said she don?t think that we can just rely on
just putting out a press release, but said she thinks it may take us actually
contacting the media and encouraging them to put this out so that our citizens
will know as much as possible when these department and which ones are going to
move so that they won?t come down to the Government Center when they should
have gone to the new building.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said that has been the topic of a lot of
their
discussions and coordination meetings with the departments over the last
several weeks. He said one of the benchmarks that they wanted to try to reach
before they went public with these dates was reaching substantial completion of
the building and said they are supposed to reach substantial completion with
the contractor this week. He said the majority of the furniture is either in
route or has already been delivered. He said all of the things that needs to
come tighter in order for us to have the confidence that we will be ready to
open up on June 10th is taking place and said we will be doing exactly what
Councilor Thomas has just indicated with regards to being a little more
aggressive in notifying the public because it is a Citizens Service building
and it is there to improve citizen access to government services and said we
want to get that right from the start.
*** *** ***
ACCEPTANCE OF MIDTOWN DRIVE:
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Council authorized us to accept an
extension of Midtown Drive that will run behind the Library and the new
Natatorium . He said that road is an extension of the existing Midtown Drive
and goes all the way over to Rigdon Road, but it also authorizes us to accept
from the School District, the driveway that comes from Macon Road down to a new
round-a-bout that will intersect there at Midtown Drive. He said for some time
now, we have struggled as to whether or not this should be a named street, a
flag lot. He said a number of other different ideas have been brought forth;
however, we finally decided to make it a named street and by doing so it will
give us a unique address and said we will be the only one that will have an
address off of that street.
He said the School District?s Administration building, as well as the
Library both have addresses off of Macon Road. He said the address for the new
Citizens Service Center will be 3111 Citizens Way. He said the Natatorium will
have a Midtown Drive address; 1601 Midtown Drive.
*** *** ***
MLK JR BOULEVARD ROAD PROJECT:
Councilor Huff said he would like to ask for a delay on the MLK Jr.
subject matter that was scheduled to come before the Council at it?s next
Council meeting. He said there was a nice article in the newspaper this
morning and said he agreed with everything except for the scaling down of the
street from four lanes to two lanes. He said when this came up originally, it
was stated that we would have more meetings. He said there were meetings
concerning transportation, but said there were no meetings dedicated to the MLK
Jr. Boulevard project. He said there has been a lot of talk around town, in the
district, as well as outside the district. He said his personal thought is that
there is truck traffic through the area and said we are talking about possibly
redevelopment powers in the future, as well as revitalization
of blighted areas and said in order for economic development to flourish once
we finish with the Spider web project, we need access to MLK Jr. Boulevard to
move traffic, and move trucks to get into Districts 1, 3, and 4. He said there
has been a lot of talk; there has been some conversations held, whereby 200 ?
300 people are saying that they are in favor of moving it to one lane, but said
he can find 500 or more people who are not in favor of it. He said he would
request that we have a meeting open to the public to discuss the issue one last
time before it comes to the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Mr. Arrington to please talk to his staff because
there is no suggestion that this road would ever be a two-lane road. She said
she doesn?t know where that came from; whether the staff said it, or the
newspaper got it wrong. She said there was a suggestion of a three-lane, which
is a 30,000 car a day capacity or a four-lane, but there has never been a
suggestion for a two-lane road.
She said she thinks that is causing lot of concern in the community and said
that is just misinformation. She said we will look at scheduling that meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------***
***
***-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_____________
______________________________________
(1) Application of Michael Willey to temporarily close the southbound lane of
South Lumpkin Road from South Columbus Water Resource Road to National Infantry
Museum and Oxbow Meadows Riverwalk intersection, on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in connection with ?Walk With Me Fundraising Event for
Easter Seals?.
(2) Application of Kyle ?Snappy? Oliver to temporarily close 13th Street from
Broadway to Phenix City, Alabama, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to
Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. in connection with the ?Motion Picture
Filming?.
(3) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 block of
Broadway, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in connection
with the ?Uptown Miss Georgia Pageant Concert?.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Gregory A. Wagner, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Mr. Alfred Hayes, Jr. on the Crime Prevention Board.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Jackie Barnes, Councilor Huff?s nominee to
replace Ms. Ann Davis on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCI:__________________
______________________
A Resolution (190-13) ? Excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the May 14,
2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (191-13) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the May
14, 2013 Council Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________________________________ ______________
A Resolution (192-13) ?approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of April.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB OWNERS BUSINESS LICENSE:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an application of Urguens Sajous for
a taxicab owner?s business license to operate Armour Cab Company, located at
1415 10th Avenue E-1, Columbus, Georgia 31901.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the application. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________________________
Board of Health, April 24, 2013.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 17-13 & 18-13.
Civic Center Advisory Board, April 18, 2013.
Family & Children Services, January 9, 2013.
Family & Children Services, February 13, 2013.
Family & Children Services, March 13, 2013.
Family & Children Services, April 10, 2013.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, January 14, 2013.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, February 11, 2013.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, March 11, 2013.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, April 8, 2013.
Housing Authority of Columbus, April 17, 2013.
Region Six Regional Planning Board, March 13, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, April 15, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________
__________
A Resolution (193-13) ? Excusing Councilor ?Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the
May 28, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a nominee for
Mr. Tyler Townsend?s position, as he does not wish to be reappointed for
another term of office. There were no nominations made.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office
of
Mr. Jim Irwin, Council District Seven representative expired back in March and
advised that he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office and
that he would like to serve again. Councilor Woodson then nominated Mr. Irwin
for another term of office. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Ms. Sharon Pierce,
Council District Eight representative and Mr. Robert Wetzel, Council District
Two representative terms of office also expired on March 1, 2013, but they are
not eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):_________________________
______
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Sudhir Patel does not
want to serve another term of office; therefore, the Council will need to
nominate someone to fill this term, which expired on March 1, 2013. There were
no nominations.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Nancy Rinn and Mr. Alfred Hayes on the Crime Prevention Board expired on March
31, 2013. She further pointed out that we have three nominees for the seat of
Mr. Alfred Hayes who does not want to serve again. The nominees are Ms.
Jeanette Davis, Mr. Seth Harp and Mr. Gregory Wagner.
She then took a roll call vote, which resulted in three votes for Ms.
Davis, one vote for Mr. Harp and four votes for Mr. Wagner. Voting for Ms.
Davis was Councilors Huff, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for
Mr. Harp was Councilor Davis. Voting for Mr. Wagner was Councilors Allen,
Baker, Henderson, and Thomas.
With Mr. Harp now being eliminated, Clerk of Council Washington then took
a second roll call vote, which resulted in Ms. Davis receiving three votes and
Mr. Wagner receiving five votes. With there not being enough votes for
confirmation, Clerk of Council Washington advised that she would bring this
back at the next meeting.
Councilor Thomas asked whether or not we have nominated and confirmed Ms.
Nancy Rinn for another term of office, to which Clerk of Council Washington
said she would have to check and see and would let the Council know.
*** *** ***
FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Samuel Rumer will expire on June 30, 2013 and that he is eligible to serve
again and would like to serve another term. Councilor Woodson nominated Mr.
Rumer for a second term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
meeting of Council.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Huff has nominated
Ms. Jackie Barnes to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Ann Davis who has resigned
from the board and that she may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being
absent for this meeting.
She further pointed out that Ms. Shondalee Gamble, who represents Council
District Five has also resigned from the board.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the following individuals as
outlined below have been nominated for either a second term of office and/or a
new term and may now be confirmed. Ms. Stacy Poydasheff, Ms. Adele Lindsey,
Ms. Elaine Tarpley, Ms. Christine Pratt-Consoletti , Mr. Terry Fike to succeed
Ms. Jo Fike, and Mr. Nathan Rogers to succeed Ms. Karon Henderson, Ms. Marsha
Collins to succeed Ms. Eva Smith. Dale Williams to succeed Ms. Kat Cannella,
and Mr. John K. Loomis to succeed Ms. Brenda Storey.
Councilor Baker also asked about the recommendation for Council District
Five and said that he doesn?t have any objection to this nominee and then asked
that it be included in the motion for confirmation. Mr. Robbie Monfort to
replace Ms. Shondalee Gamble. .
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked about Mr. Robert Nobles, pointing out that he
currently serves on the Trade Center Authority and asked if this is the same
one. Clerk of Council Washington said she would have to check and see and let
the Mayor & Council know at the next meeting.
Councilor Woodson also asked about Ms. Jane Holcombe?s seat, to which
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that they are recommending Ms. Nicole
DeVries if she doesn?t have any objections. Councilor Woodson then nominated
Ms. DeVries. Councilor Allen moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out a the last Council meeting that
Councilor Henderson nominated Mr. Tyler Townsend to fill the unexpir3d term of
Mr. Rick Alexander, who has resigned from the board and further pointed out
that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION:
Councilor Henderson requested a proclamation or resolution to honor the
Columbus High Tennis Team, who recently won a championship.
*** *** ***
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 Allen and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel
being absent for this meeting, with the time of adjournment being 8:07 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.