MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 27, 2015

The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:32 P.M., Tuesday, October 27, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Tom B. Buck III, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at 6:20 p.m.

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ABSENT: Councilor Bruce Huff was absent.
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INVOCATION: Rev. Prathan Powell of World Changes Tabernacle.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Key Elementary After School
Program.
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MAYOR’S AGENDA:

LICENSE REVOCATION HEARING:

Mayor Tomlinson called forward Police Chief Rick Boren to outline the reasons for his recommendations to revoke the alcoholic beverage license, as well as the business license of Mr. Jamal Floyd, dba as the Luxx Gentleman Club.

City Attorney Fay said that Chief Boren is here today to
outline the many instances and circumstances surrounding his recommendation to revoke the Alcoholic Beverage License, as well as the business license of Mr. Jamal R. Floyd, d/b/a The Luxxx Gentlemen’s Club, located at 3742 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31903. He said Deputy City Manager Hodge is present if anyone has any licensing questions.
He said after the Chief has concluded his presentation, then we will hear from Attorney Stacey Jackson and his client; after which the Council will then take a vote after hearing all of the evidence.



Chief of Police Boren said he is here today in reference to Columbus Code Section 19-20(a), which gives the Chief of Police or any other law enforcement agency, within the jurisdiction of a business, the ability to ask for revocation of a liquor license and/or a business license based on convictions and based on other incidents that go on within those clubs in these areas.

Chief Boren then went into many details detailing and outlining several
incidents that have taken place near and/or around the Luxx Gentlemen’s
Club, and the Mayor and members of the Council asked questions and made
comments regarding this matter, the

Attorney Stacy Jackson, who was representing Mr. Jamal Floyd then
came forward and presented his client’s case, citing sections of the Georgia
Code and other case law and encouraged the Mayor and Council to allow
Mr. Floyd to work with the city officials and others to put together a plan
similar to the one that they have in Uptown Columbus regarding these issues
that have been addressed here today by the Chief of Police.

After hearing both sides of the arguments from Chief of Police Boren,
and Attorney Stacy Jackson, Attorney Jackson, Chief of Police Boren and
Mr. Floyd then responded to questions and concerns of Mayor Tomlinson
and members of the Council, Councilor Allen made a motion to revoke the
alcoholic beverage license. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.

Prior any votes was taken, City Attorney Fay then responded to questions
of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council.

After continue discussion on this matter, the question was then called on
the motion, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.

Councilor Woodson made a motion to revoke the business license.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of eight to one with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Buck, Davis,
Henderson, Thomas and Woodson voting yes and Councilor Barnes voting
no, with Councilor Huff being absent from this meeting.

City Attorney Fay said under the ordinances that regulate these alcohol licenses, Mr. Jackson’s client needs to turn in his alcohol and business license to Ms. Ivey, as they are revoked effective immediately, but still needs to surrender those to Ms. Ivy. He said this now will conclude the hearing.
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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:

Mayor Tomlinson said we have a request to move an item up from the City Manager’s Agenda due to the fact that there are folks here from out of town who must travel this evening, as we except to have a late meeting this evening, and said we are trying to accommodate that request. She said it is an important issue; however, we ask that you do be as brief as possible.

City Manager Hugley said we have Mr. Ken Bleakly here to provide an update on Redevelopment Districts. He said many of those watching by television or present here today will know it as Tax Allocation Districts.
He said he has been working with a number of organizations, to include Uptown Columbus, The Liberty Theater and many others on some redevelopment districts. He also pointed out that Mr. Richard Bishop of Uptown Columbus and Mr. Robert Anderson are also present in the Council Chambers on this morning in regards to this matter.

Mr. Ken Bleakly then came forward and pointed out that they have been working with Uptown Columbus over the last several months working on putting together a Tax Allocation District redevelopment plan for an area that they will be talking about here tonight. He said as you know, about a year ago, the voters here in Columbus approved the right to form Tax Allocation Districts. He said the process involves once the approvals have been done that either the City or neighborhoods put together a redevelopment plan.
How a TAD Works
Case Study: East Point TAD #1

The Fiscal Impact of East Point TAD #1
Without TAD, assuming 4% growth per year the assessed value would have grown from $4 million to $7 million – a 1.75x increase

With TAD, the assessed value grew from $4 million to $89 million – a 22.3x increase


Columbus Urban Service District #1, 5, 6, 7
M&O Property Values
Annual Growth: 2009 = 1.9% 9% Growth 2008-2014
GA Redevelopment Powers Law: Redevelopment Area Definition
“Redevelopment area” means an urbanized area that qualifies as a:
Proposed Boundaries: River District Redevelopment Plan: 3 TADs
TAD #1: 6th Ave./Liberty District
□ 10th Ave. & Railroad
TAD #2: Uptown
►Eastern Boundary
□ 3rd Ave. & Veterans Pkwy.

TAD #3: 2nd Ave./City Village




10% Cap for All TADs
The total taxable value of all TADs within the city may not exceed 10% of the city’s total tax digest (total value of taxable property).
Proposed TADs
Taxable Value
% of Columbus Digest
TAD #1: 6th Ave./Liberty District
$26,088,474
0.6%
TAD #2: Uptown
$48,064,786
1.1%
TAD #3: 2nd Ave./City Village
$30,185,288
0.7%
3 TADS Combined
$104,338,548
2.4%
Columbus
$4,408,376,693
Substantial room remains for potential additional future TADs.
3 TADs: Potential Bond Proceeds
TAD #1: 6th Ave./Liberty District Hypothetical Projects
TAD #2: Uptown Hypothetical Projects
TAD #3: 6th Ave./City Village Hypothetical Projects
Summary of Columbus River District 3 TADs Benefits
Potential Private Sector Induced Investment
$482,100,000
Potential Taxable Digest from Redevelopment
$190,300,000
Potential Public Infrastructure Financed by 3 TADs
$60,500,000
For every $1 of TAD infrastructure investment = $8 private dollars invested

Proposed TAD Redevelopment Plan Approval Schedule
City Manager Hugley said he would like to thank the Council for the discussion here today, as well as Mr. Bleakly and the stakeholders who brought all this together. He said the staff has been playing the role of facilitator. He said he was in a meeting with those individuals on Friday and in that meeting, we thought that we could move this process by doing an update today. He said the stakeholders wanted to bring it in two weeks; which was the timeline that they had, and you were going to ask that we put it on first reading. He said no, and that he told them that we needed to do an update first before going ahead and putting it on a first reading. He said if the Councilor’s questions were answered at the update, then we could bring back in two weeks, if they were satisfied. He said that is what we set out to accomplish to today.

He said the staff will continue in the role of facilitator and said we are not going out looking for TADs. He said we will continue to work to support and facilitate developers or stakeholders, who has an interest in developing or redeveloping economically depressed areas or areas that are slow to grow. He said he don’t have a timeline for an agenda, but they stakeholders does and said they wanted to try to accomplish this by the end of the year.

Mr. Richard Bishop of Uptown Columbus came forward and said they will do whatever it takes to get the Council whatever they need, meet with you whenever you want to meet; however, he doesn’t know what the process needs to be from this point forward, but said they are on board to do whatever they need to do.

After the conclusion of the discussion, Councilor Davis said he thinks it is the City’s TAD, because it is a redevelopment tool that the City is offering in an area that is being approved. He said he would make the suggestion that we put a list of all these concerns together and formulate it and then put it in a presentation; and communicate back to us to make sure that we understand it.

Mr. Robert Anderson said he did have some comments, but said he would withhold those until we hear from the Council on what they have to say and said we will try to do whatever we need to do to encourage you to support this ;event. He said he has been talking with Mr. Bleakly about a TAD in the Liberty District. He said he is not sure of all of the political processes that you have to go through. He said we want to make this City grow and said he don’t want this to be stymid over some things that we don’t have the information on.

City Attorney Fay said if the Council wants to go forward with the TADs this year, you will need to have two public hearings with this body, the governing body. He said both notices will have to be advertised for at least five days before you can have a public hearing. He said you will need to have one hearing to present a proposed plan, and another one for this Council to approve a proposed plan. He said you can approve it by resolution.

Mayor Tomlinson asked City Attorney Fay if he meant that we have to approve a plan or a district. He said a district plan. You said it doesn’t have to be an ordinance, it can be approve it by a resolution, but you must have those two public hearings, with a 5-day advertised notice; whether it is this year or next year.

Councilor Allen asked if the two hearings could be held in December. City Attorney Fay said they could be. He said you could have one advertised 5-days in advance and heard on December 8th and then you could run another ad and have your final vote on December 15th. He said you will only need to approve the final district plan by resolution according to the State law.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION: _

An Ordinance (15-51) – Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to designate the Council of Columbus, Georgia as the common redevelopment agency pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 36-44-4; and for other purposes.

Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

Councilor Baker said the ordinance states that we are delegating the functions and duties to the Development Authority; however, it also states that it is to be determined later in the MOU. He then asked if it was possible for us to get some information as to what the MOU is going to say.

City Attorney Fay said it is generally going to say that they can perform whatever administrative duties need to be performed in carrying out any of these redevelopment plans; except for approval, as that lies with the Council.
He said the MOU will just be another enabling mechanism for the Development Authority to have a meeting, look at a proposed plan, and help the City administer it once it is approved; issue bonds, if necessary. He said they can’t approve the TAD district plan; which is only for the Council.
Councilor Baker said he would like to see some specifics that lay out how those bonds are titled and issued, and how the City and us, as the redevelopment agency are protected from liability. He said if we can get information at some point, in layman terms that specifically says at some point, there will be bonds issued by one of these agencies, but it will not be us, and that we will not have liability; nor will the taxpayers. He said he would like to see the mechanics of how that’s going to work.

Mr. Bleakly said the TAD district will be a district of the City. He said you are the only group and power that is able to create a TAD district.
He said private developers, special interests group and citizens can come forward and propose a TAD district, but said it is the action of the Council that creates TAD districts. He said if the adopt the ones that are being proposed, this will be the City of Columbus TAD Districts 1, 2 & 3.

He said in terms of the debt that you will issue, if you issue bonds, you have three ways that you can go. (1) Pay as you go, (2) Bank Finance,
(3) Bonds – Revenue Bond.

Councilor Baker said he understands that, but said what he would like are those bullet points from the City Attorney.

City Attorney Fay said we will get out something to the members of the Council in writing.

After discussion concluded on this matter, the question was then called on the earlier motion to adopt the ordinance, as outlined above, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Buck being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting. (See below for Councilor Woodson’s request to have her vote added to the affirmation on this item)
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING: _

An Ordinance (15-52) – Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to change the definition of Cultural Facility and adjust the permitted uses table 3.1.1. Botanical Gardens will be added to the permitted use table under RO (Residential Office) and LMI (Light Manufacturing & Industrial).

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.
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REQUEST OF COUNCILOR WOODSON:

Councilor Woodson who was away from the Council table when the vote was taken on Ordinance Number 15-51, as outlined above, asked that her vote be added in the affirmative to this ordinance, making the vote unanimous by those eight members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:___________

An Ordinance (15-53) – Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) changing sections 7.12 and 8.2.2.

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance 15-54) – Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by establishing ranked parking along the west curb of First Avenue between 35th Street and 38th Street; authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs indicating the ranked parking; and for other purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.
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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _

A Resolution (302-15) – Authorizing the City Manager and/or his designee to hire a Fiduciary Law Clerk above the step C pay grade.

City Attorney Fay pointed out that Probate Court Judge Marc D’Antoino was present earlier tonight, but said that he had to leave.

Mayor Tomlinson said the Judge wanted her to express a point that he had and that is the reason why he was here. She said as you know, the Judge of Probate is a Constitutional officer and said it is indeed true that as long as his budget does not change, he may hire and adjust the salary of his people without the Council’s approval. However, there is a much expressed provision of the Georgia Constitution law that says, if those individuals are in the merit system, then those positions may have to be approved by the Council.

She said he was under the impression that his positions were not in the merit system; however, we checked, as he was leaving, with Deputy City Manager Hodge and said according to her, they are indeed in the merit system.

Mayor Tomlinson said she hate that there were some confusion, but said it seems to her that it is a matter of courtesy to approve it, but that it also favorably be consider, but certainly if it does involve merit system positions, it would need to be approved by the Council.

City Attorney Fay said it will be consistent with your rules.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.

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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

City Attorney Fay said if we have time permitting, he would like to have an executive session after the adjournment of tonight’s meeting, to discuss a litigation matter.
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Note: The City Manager’s Agenda is continued below.
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PUBLIC AGENDA

MR. DENNIS STAHL, RE: CODE SECTION 4.2.1- TRASH CONTAINERS:_______________________________________________

Mr. Dennis Stahl, who resides in the Historic District came forward and said he has been living in Columbus since 2002. He said he has been driving
around town a lot and have noticed several dumpsters in plain sight in the City; therefore, he has started to pay attention to those dumpster. He said
they are the Waste Management dumpsters, and have found several of them dirty and beat up and have trash laying all around them; which is an eyesore to those specific areas.

He said he submitted a ticket sometime in June or July this year, to see if they could get a dumpster on 8th Street in the Historic District; a screened one. He said the ticket was closed out with a note saying no solid waste.
He said he then went on-line to make sure that no solid waste was the correct term for residential waste/garbage, which it is. He said he then looked at the Columbus Code of Ordinances, the UDO, and in Code Section 4.2.1, it outlines screening requirements for trash area.

Mr. Stahl said since that was outlined in the UDO, he contacted
Ms. Lauren Vance in the City Manager’s office regarding dumpster screening and said she contacted Mr. Fred Cobb in the Inspections & Code Division and said that he responded, saying that no screening is required.
He said Mr. Cobb explained to him that in the Council meeting of September 12, 2006 Mayor Poydasheff placed a moratorium on enforcement of the UDO provisions that would affect existing non-conforming dumpsters. He said that moratorium is still in effect on today; that is why the UDO can’t be enforced. He said Mr. Cobb told him he doesn’t know why it was put in place, and said it sounds like it may have been forgotten that it was put in place. He said he lives on 8th Street close to Broadway; where there is an apartment complex and said that there is a dumpster in plain view and tourists comes by and sees all of the trash. He said he was also told by a neighbor that this dumpster was set on fire last year; which is next door to the Historic houses.

After concluding his comments regarding this matter, Mr. Stahl said he would like to ask the Council to remove the restriction on the moratorium and allow the department to enforce the dumpster screening.

Mayor Tomlinson said the Clerk alerted us to your concern and said we did look up the moratorium issue and then said that we will have our Director of the Department of Planning to come and speak to this issue.

Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Planning Department then came forward and presented the following presentation as it relates to non-conforming dumpsters, as outlined below. Non-Conforming Dumpsters
Non-Conforming Dumpsters

Mr. Jones said he suspect, however, he is working off of memory, but he believes that since it was not a hot button issue, it was put off until the next year. He said maybe when we got into January of 2007, we had a new Mayor came in, as well as some new Council members and said that the conversation got disjointed again, and no one really brought the issue back up; therefore, it just laid there. He said the Planning Department didn’t really push the issue, neither did the Council, and we just let the issue run its own course; which for the last 8 or 9 years, there has been no course at all.
He said what they have tried to accomplish with that, in terms of understanding and trying to capture these non-conforming uses; and to bring them into compliance; he doesn’t know if we have either failed at that or succeeded, because they have not been, with the exception of this one that we are discussing here tonight, to his knowledge, has not been an issue for this City to deal with.

Mr. Jones said we can go forward with and continue this discussion with one of the three suggestions, to include directing the staff to enforce the existing ordinance governing dumpsters, which would require non-conforming dumpsters, not just the ones on Eight Street and Broadway, but citywide to come into compliance , and to do so within the next 18 months. He said you could go ahead and officially put a moratorium in place and call for another review of the 2006 proposed ordinance, as written or repeal this section as it applies to non-conforming dumpsters.

After the conclusion of his presentation, Director of Planning Rick Jones then responded to several questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council regarding this matter.

During continued discussion on this subject matter, City Manager Hugley said it is in the UDO and said we are not enforcing it because of all the discussion that Director Jones has just talked about and said he think it was a verbal moratorium until we have more discussion on the matter.

Mayor Tomlinson said if the law is on the books, we enforce the laws until the Council repeals the laws. She said there may have been a concensus among the Council to issue a moratorium, but said in her opinion, that would not be the proper procedure. She said she thinks that we either have to bring it back to the Council to be repealed, if that is the Council’s preference or it stands as a law on the books to be enforced. City Manager Hugley said he agrees with that.

Councilor Woodson then made a motion to bring back the ordinance to Council to determine whether or not this ordinance needs to be repealed. Seconded by Councilor Allen.

City Attorney Fay said any text amendment to repeal or amend the ordinance would need to go to the Planning Advisory Commission first, because this is a part of the UDO (Unified Development Ordinance.)
He said you can discuss the matter at any meeting, but said it will have to go through the zoning process with a recommendation,

City Manager Hugley said he would recommend that we continue with the moratorium until we bring back to the Council for discussion; however, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that the Council never voted on a moratorium.

City Manager Hugley said unless the Council wants the staff to go and start enforcing this on tomorrow, he said we need to continue with the moratorium until you have had time to discuss it and give us directions.
Mayor Tomlinson said she thinks there needs to be a motion that we not enforce whatever that Code section is. City Attorney Fay said it also needs to have a time certain, i.e. 120 days or whatever the Council decides.

Mayor Tomlinson said there will have to be a motion and a second, and that will need to carry for there not to be an enforcement to cover our staff. She said there needs to be a motion to hold that in abeyance otherwise it is on the books.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked Clerk of Council Washington, if she had checked the minutes to see is the Council voted in a moratorium, to which Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that those minutes were provided to the Council in their agenda packets. She then read the excerpts of those minutes from the September 12, 2006 Council meeting in which this matter was discussed.

After Clerk of Council Washington concluded reading the excerpts of those minutes, she stated from what she could see in those minutes that there was no mention of a moratorium.

In the conclusion of Clerk of Council Washington reading the minutes, Mayor Tomlinson then said there was a two month delay that was approved by the Council, and has long since expired. She said just to be correct,… there is a law on the books, as she understands it, if she is following all of this correctly; and then said we are going to need a motion to delay the enforcement of that law for a period of time, where the Council and/or the Planning Advisory Commission can reconsider this matter. Councilor Allen then so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

Mayor Tomlinson then asked what the period of time is. City Attorney Fay said he thinks 120-days would be sufficient. City Manager Hugley also said 120-days.

Mayor Tomlinson said it is her understanding that there will be some sort of process put in place by the Planning Advisory Commission and then a recommendation made to the Council.

City Manager Hugley then said, what we need from the Council, is to determine whether or not they like the ordinance. He said if you like the ordinance then we don’t need to go to the Planning Advisory Commission. He said we won’t need to do anything, we will just start enforcing it.
He said if you want to do something different than what the ordinance says; then you tell us, and we will then go to the Planning Advisory Commission and ask them to approve what you want.

Councilor Thomas said she would like to table Councilor Allen’s motion and ask the Planning Department to come back to us at our next meeting with a full investigation of this and a recommendation and then at that point, we can either vote on the recommendation or we can postpone it for enforcement. She said she would like for us to hold off on doing anything until we get either a recommendation to enforcement or change it. There was second to Councilor Thomas’ motion, which dies for the lack of a second.

After the conclusion of the discussion on this matter, the question was then called on Councilor Allen’s motion, for the 120-day as stated above, which carried unanimously by a 7 to 1 vote, with Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting yes and Councilor Thomas voting no.


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NOTE: Councilor Woodson left at this point in the proceedings, with the time being 8:50 p.m.
----------------------------------*** *** ***------------------------------------ MR. LEROY DAVIS, REPRESENTING THE AMERICAN LEGION, RE: VETERANS DAY BANQUET: _____________ __

Commander Mr. Leroy Davis, representing the American Legion, along with Ms. Patricia Liddell, came forward to provide information and said that they have started an organization here in the valley called the Chattahoochee Valley Veterans organization to help veterans. He said what they are doing is planning the first inaugural Veterans banquet, which will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at the Convention & Trade Center.
He said this event will include every Veterans organization in the Chattahoochee Valley, which includes Phoenix City, Columbus and the seven surrounding counties that comes under Muscogee County.

Commander Davis said they would like to extend an invitation to the Mayor and Council regarding the event that to attend this Veterans banquet. He also introduced Ms. Pat Liddell, who is the Junior Vice-Commander of the State of Georgia,
Ms. Sarah Anderson of Post 267, and Ms. Hilda Walker of Post 333.

Councilor Barnes said he wants to let the Mayor and Council, as well as the viewing community know all that the American League does in this community for the Veterans. Commander Davis said help veterans to navigate the system and help them to get their benefits. He said we don’t charge the veterans to assist them in any way possible. He said if they have any problems, anyone can call him because he is the Public Relations Officer for the Department of Alabama. He said their number one priority is Veterans rehabilitation and make sure that they get the help, medically and financially that they need.

Ms. Patricia Liddell, also came forward and provided information on the Second Annual Citywide Veterans Sunday services, which will be held at the St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church., where it was held on last year. She said they will celebrate the She said she would like to encourage everyone from Columbus, to come out and participate because we will have Alabama represented, as well.

Councilor Barnes also reminded the community of the Veterans Day Parade. He said this will be the seventh year that we will be having the parade. He said he would also like to encourage all of the veterans to come out and be a part of the parade.

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MR. SHANE CLARK, RE: CHARLIE DANIELS CHARITY CONCERT:__________________________________________________

Mr. *** *** ***



4) Mr. Shane Clark, Re: Charlie Daniels Charity Concert.

5) Mr. Arthur Brown, representing the Wellington Subdivision, Re: Speeding Concerns and Trash Pick Up.

Shane Clark, said his good friend, Mr. Charlie Daniels and the Charlie Daniels Band will be here in Columbus on November 10th doing a full military tribute and Benefit concert at the River Center. He said that
Mr. Daniels has been a supporter of the ministry that he has down in Mexico for children who has cancer and HIV. He said Camp Laughing Child is the work that he runs and operates on a full time basis. He said he has been doing pediatric aid care since 1993, and said started an organization called Laughing Child International, which has given way now to Camp Laughing Child. He said he spent a few years in Cape Town, South Africa, where he worked with the church and childcare institutions, where they worked with child rape victims.

He said after a few years, he then ended up in Mexico and they planted what they believe is the only facility of its kind in all of Latin America; where they care for children who are dying. He said these children are dying of cancer, but said their special focus is on children who are infected with HIV, where there is nothing.

Mr. Clark said that Mr. Charlie Daniels has been a supporter of Camp Laughing Child for several years now. He said they have s given 101 tickets to the Wounded Warrior Association in Fort Benning, 48 tickets to Commander Leroy Davis and the American Legion, Post 135, and another 30 tickets to Commander Sam Rhodes and his warriors outreach in Harris County.

He said they will be giving more tickets away. He said he is asking the community, even if you don’t like Charlie Daniels, but to purchase a ticket and send a veteran or an active service member or a member of their family to the concert.

Councilor Barnes said he has been told that 100% of the proceeds will go to the Laughing Child Camp. He also thanked Mr. Clark for all of his years of work with the Laughing Child organization. He said he would also like to thank Mr. Charlie Daniels for what he is doing for this organization.

Mr. Clark said that is correct; 100% of the proceeds will go to Camp Laughing Child.

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MR. ARTHUR BROWN, REPRESENTING THE WELLINGTON SUBDIVISION, RE: SPEEDING AND TRASH PICKUP:____________

Mr. Arthur Brown, 5126 Biscayne Drive representing the Wellington Subdivision, came forward and said he is here tonight because they have been trying for the last three years to get speed bumps in their neighborhood; which includes Skylake Drive, Biscayne Drive, Kingston Drive and Delray Drive. He said that he is afraid that someone is going to get killed over there because of folks speeding up and down the streets. He said all of his children are grown and no longer lives there; however, there are other children there in the area, and we care about those children in the area. He said people are coming through the area at a high rate of speed. He also pointed out that Councilor Barnes has been over there regarding this matter, and said that he has spoken with him several times regarding this issue.

He said he was told that they had to wait to get a petition or some type of an affidavit in order to get those speed bumps put in. He said he don’t understand why they are having to wait so long to get speed tables for their areas. He said he has gone on several streets that have speed tables, to include Celia Drive, Wellborn Drive, as well as Wilder Drive.

Mr. Brown said that there are no speed signs on those streets and said that we need something over there, because there are a lot of small children who play out there in the street because they don’t have anywhere else to play.
He said they need some help, and need some speed tables on those streets. He said if they need to get those petitions signed, they need to go ahead and get them out because they have been waiting for two years now for these speed tables.

He said his other concerns is the one day a week garbage pickup. He said we have one-day a week garbage pickup now, and said that we should be getting better service. He said he has had to call on several occasions to have his garbage cans be replaced because those guys come out there and they don’t take care of your things. He said they pull the tops off of the garbage cans and they get thrown out in the streets and get ran over. He said he has a cart that both of his trash cans fit on, but they don’t put them back in the carts. He said he has had to put trash in his vehicle and follow behind the garbage truck and take the garbage and put it in the truck himself. He said instead of us getting better service, it is getting worst. He said the truck drivers are not checking on those guys to make sure that they are doing what they are supposed to do. He said he is tired of going out into the streets putting up his garbage cans and down the street picking up someone else’s garbage cans out of the street, and then sitting it back on the side of the street.

Mayor Tomlinson encouraged Mr. Brown and other citizens to call the Citizens Service Center 311 if they see things that are happening that should not be happening.

Councilor Barnes also responded to those concerns of Mr. Brown as it relates to the speed tables. He said it took him almost three years to get the directional signs for Celia Drive, and it took a little longer to get the speed tables. He said it is a matter of finances in getting the signs, as well as the speed tables out into the neighborhoods.

Mr. Brown questioned the placement of those speed tables on Celia Drive, to which Councilor Barnes explained the reasoning as to why it was done the way it was. Mr. Brown said he is really concerned about this area because there are a lot of children out there playing, and also said he needs to tell his neighbors something regarding their requests for these speed tables in this area. streets that was turned in for speed issues and said it has taken twenty years for them to get those speed tables on Wilder Drive. She said they had speeding issues with children walking to school on that street.
----------------------------------*** *** ***------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA CONTINUED:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _

A Resolution (303-15) – Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an easement agreement for the purposes of completing the Columbus Riverwalk.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck and Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***

THE FOLLOWING EIGHT 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 HENDERSON WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS BUCK AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR HUFF BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:__________________

A Resolution (304-15) – Authorizing the execution of a contract with Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) to provide consulting services for a 5-year consolidated plan and a 1st year annual action plan.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (305-15) – Authorizing the negotiation of a contract with Valic (Boca Raton, Fl) to provide 457 deferred compensation plan for CCG employees.

Councilor Allen said that he has had some city employees call him and said that they are concerned about how the fees are assessed. He said that he talked with Ms. Hollowell earlier and asked her to briefly update the Council on how the process works so that the city employees could see.

City Manager Hugley pointed out that they did have some employees meetings regarding this matter. He pointed out that Ms. Hollowell is present here on tonight and said that she can come forward and respond to Councilor Allen’s question.

City Manager Hugley said that we were going to a single vendor. He said we currently have three others, Nationwide, Great West, Hartford, as well as Valic. He said we have made sure the employees know that they can keep their current vendor and payroll deductions, if they choose not to go with Valic, and nothing will change for them. He said the fees with Valic will be lower than the fees with the other companies. He said we have worked it out where the employees will have an option.

Director of Human Resources Reather Hollowell came forward and said
as it relates to the fees, the fees associated with plan participants are plan fees, administrative fees and fund fees. She said one of the reasons that they conducted an RFP was that they needed to, and it is our obligation to do as plan sponsors of the deferred compensation plan.

She then went into some details in explaining this matter further.

*** *** ***


A Resolution (306-15) – Authorizing the annual contract for automotive body repair services from Syskon Partners, LLC, DBA Collision Surgeons of Columbus (Columbus, GA). The Fleet Manager estimates the annual usage/contract value in the amount $120,000.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (307-15) – Authorizing the extension of the annual contract with Columbus Water Works (Columbus, GA), for the provision of laboratory services, under the existing contract terms and conditions.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (308-15) – Authorizing the purchase of replacement computer equipment, for the Engineering Department, from CDW-G (Vernon Hills, IL), in the amount of $90,543.00. The purchase will be made, by cooperative purchase, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-T20120702-0005, awarded to Lenovo, for whom CDW-G is an authorized dealer, National IPA Contract #130733, as well as, only known source.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (309-15) – Authorizing Change Order 1 with Brodart Books & Library Services (Williamsport, PA) for additional books and other media for the Muscogee County Public Library in an amount not to exceed $3,593.48.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (310-15) – Authorizing broker agreements with Blue Cross Blue Shield (Medical), United Healthcare (Medicare Advantage Plan), Express Scripts (Pharmacy), Cigna (Life Insurance), Aflac (Supplemental Insurance) and any other carriers of employee benefits for medical, pharmacy, life and supplemental life insurance negotiated by ShawHankins.
*** *** ***

A Resolution (310-15) – Authorizing direct payments to Blue Cross Blue Shield (Medical), United Healthcare (Medicare Advantage Plan), Express Scripts (Pharmacy), Cigna (Life Insurance), Aflac (Supplemental Insurance) and any other carriers negotiated by ShawHankins.
*** *** ***

THE FOLL0WING UPDATES WERE PROVIDED ON THE CITY
MANAGER’S AGENDA:__ ___ ___

Dr. Forrest Toelle, Information Technology Director, came forward to provide the Mayor and Council with an update on the Information Technology Department.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFFING UPDATE:

Information Technology Staffing Update
Helpful Information
Recommendation 5: Review, analyze, realign and increase the staffing level and organizational structure of the Information Technology Department.
Helpful Information
Since March 2015, Information Technology has had 3 people to either retire or change career paths, this has provided the opportunity to use those salary differences to provide the transition to the above organizational chart with existing personnel.

*** *** ***

Ms. Donna Newman, Engineering Director, came forward to provide the Mayor and Council with an update on Speed Tables.

Neighborhood Traffic Calming (NTC) Update
NTC Candidate Streets
Steps for Speed Table Installation
Historical Results/Trends
Speed Tables have been Installed on Four Streets
Streets with Speed Tables that were not Part of the NTC Program
Speed Table Construction & Costs
Four Streets are Currently Approved For Speed Tables & Awaiting Funding

Estimated Cost for Approved Speed Tables Total

After the conclusion of this presentation, Director of Engineering Donna Newman responded to questions and concerns of members of the Council.
*** *** ***

THE FOLL0WING PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES WERE
DELAYED ON THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:_____ ___

City Manager Hugley said he will delay the following presentations, as listed below until a later date.

City Services Center Parking - Lisa Goodwin, Deputy City Manager

RFP Process/Local Preference - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager

Travel, Schools and Conference Update - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager

Transportation Project Update - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager
-------------------------------------*** *** ***---------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:___ ____ ______

(1) Application of Amanda Revell to temporarily close Malatche Drive, from Flint Drive to Maricopa Drive, on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with a neighborhood block party.
*** *** ***

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _

A Resolution – Changing the November & December meeting
schedule for the City Council of Columbus, Georgia.

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck and Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***

MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________ _____ Family and Children Services, July 8 & September 9, 2015.

Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck and Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.

*** *** ***

NOMINATIONS AND/OR CONFIRMATION OF BOARD MEMBERS WERE MADE TO THE FOLLOWING BOARDS BY THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA:______ __


AIRPORT COMMISSION:


__________________________
(Thomas Forsberg) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:


____________________________
(Dr. Scott McDermott) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
Veterinary Association Representative
(Council’s Apptmt.)

*** *** ***

BOARD OF HEALTH:


____________________________
(Yasmine Cathright) SD-29
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council’s Apptmt.)

*** *** ***

BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:


____________________________
(Chester Randolph) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:


___________________________
(Margaret Higdon) SD-29
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:


Evyan “Lacy” Harden (Mayor Tomlinson’s nominee)
(John T. Miller, IV) SD-15
Resigned
Hotel/food Service Industry
(Mayor’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:


Edward Gaffney, III (Councilor Henderson’s nominee)

Ernest Smallman, IV (Councilor Henderson’s nominee)
(Ernest Smallman, IV) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Authority’s Apptmt.)


Ernest Smallman, IV (Councilor Henderson’s nominee)

Edward Gaffney, III (Councilor Henderson’s nominee)
(Edward Gaffney, III) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Authority’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:


Jacqueline Boling (Councilor Woodson’s nominee)
(Nicole de Vries) SD-15
Resigned
District 7
(Council’s Apptmt.)


Dr. William “Billy” Kendall
(Jacqueline Boling) SD-15
At-Large
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

LAND BANK AUTHORITY:


Lance Hemmings (Councilor Henderson’s nominee)
(Lance Hemmings) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***


PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES:


_________________________
(Joseph Smith, Jr.) SD-29
Resigned
Business Community
(Mayor’s Apptmt.)

*** *** ***

PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:


_________________________
(Charles Harp) SD-29
Regular Member
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)


_________________________
(Charles Little, Jr.) SD-15
Alternate Member
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)


_________________________
(Ron Mahoney) SD-15
Regular Member
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)


_________________________
(Marjorie L. O’Shields Watson) SD-29
Regular Member
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council’s Apptmt.)


________________________
(Gerald Wyatt) SD-15
Alternate Member
Not eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:


_______________________
(Dr. Robert S. Johnson) SD-29
District 2
Resigned
(Council’s Apptmt.)



_______________________
(Tracy Belt) SD-15
District 7
Resigned
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

TAXICAB COMMISSION:


Alisa Davis (Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh’s nominee)
(Jodi Sears) SD-29
Seat Vacant
Hotel/Motel Industry
(Council’s Apptmt.)


___________________________
(Billy Craft) SD-29
Deceased
Taxicab Driver Representative
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

TREE BOARD:



_________________________
(William Consoletti) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)

_________________________
(Anne M. Wright) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council’s Apptmt.)



_________________________
(Chris Coakley) SD-15
At-Large
Not eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)


_________________________
(Steve Smith) SD-29
At-Large
Not eligible to succeed himself
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

UPTOWN FAÇADE BOARD:


____________________________
(Rick Johnson) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Business Association
(Council’s Apptmt.)

____________________________
(Doug Jefcoat) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Business Association
(Council’s Apptmt.)


____________________________
(Steve Morse) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Business Association
(Council’s Apptmt.)


____________________________
(Scott H. Allen) SD-15
Not eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Business Association
(Council’s Apptmt.)


____________________________
(Fred Greene) SD-15
Not eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Columbus
(Council’s Apptmt.)

*** *** ***

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck and Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting.

At 10:13 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive session. At 10:19 p.m., the meeting was reconvened.
*** *** ***

With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor Allen made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck and Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor Huff being absent for the meeting, with the time being 10:21p.m.



Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia