MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 9, 2013


A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:04A.M., Tuesday, April 9, 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.

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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson was Councilors R. Gary Allen, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis Berry H. Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:07 a.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 9:09 a.m., and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 9:20 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Mike Baker was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Captain Mark Burnett, Chaplain of the Department of Fire/EMS.
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PLEDGE: Led by members of the Columbus Fire/EMS Department.
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MAYOR’S AGENDA:

Mayor Tomlinson said that Dr. Benjamin Blair, of Columbus State University
has conducted several studies for the City of Columbus and that he is here on this
morning to present the results of those studies. She also pointed out the members
of the Council have been provided with a copy of these studies, to include the
Natatorium Study, Department Directors' Salary Study and the Columbus
Economy Study.

The following information, as outlined below was presented by Dr. Benjamin
Blair.

Who are the Potential Users? Who are the Potential Users? GEORGIA AND ALABAMA SWIM CLUBS:

WHO ARE THE POTENTIAL USERS?

FINAL COMMENTS:

After concluding his presentation, Dr. Blair made several comments as outlined below:


Dr. Blair also pointed out the following information as outlined below:

He also provided an Example Natatorium Swim Meet Schedule Scenario.

Two Participation Levels: High and Low

Expenditure Profile Adjusted for Columbus …

Economic Impact on Columbus of Example Scenario
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A Comparison of Local Government Director-Level Compensation: Columbus Consolidated Government and its Peers____________________

Concluding Observations

(1) For 21 of the 23 positions in the survey, the CCG salary is below the peer average salary.

(2) For the two positions which CCG was at or above the peer average, in one, the Civic Center Director, there was only one other peer (Savannah); in the other, CCG was the only city with that position (Job Training Director)

(3)For the group as a whole, the three positions with the highest average salary were City Manager ($164,438), City Attorney ($135,423), and Public Service Director ($128,945).

(4)For the group as a whole, the three positions with the lowest average salary were Job Training Director ($75,517), Building, Inspection and Codes Director ($84,649), Internal Auditor ($85,441).
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the February 26 and March 12, 2013 Council Meetings and the February 26 and March 12, 2013 Executive Sessions of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING: ____ ____ ______

An Ordinance (13-9) – Amending Section 3-1 of the Columbus Code pertaining to alcoholic beverages by adding a new subsection 3-1 (hh) to provide a definition of a Growler and by amending Section 3-15 pertaining to open containers.

City Attorney Fay said the Finance Department has spoken with some of the State enforcement officials with regards to this ordinance and said they are recommending that the ordinance be amended to remove some of the wording from the ordinance; which are “or a brew pub license under State law”. He said we would need a motion to amend the ordinance.

Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINTUES OF DISCUSSION: ____________
A Resolution (114-13) – Requesting a Special Exception Use to operate an ambulance service at 3554 Hilton Avenue. The current zoning for the property is NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Davis.

City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on this matter. There was one individual who wanted to be heard on this resolution; therefore, City Attorney Fay asked the applicant to come forward and outline to the Council what their plans are regarding this request.

Ms. Alia Mezayek, 4788 Brandywood Drive representing Muscogee Ambulance then came forward and said they will be opening an ambulance service at this location. She said it will be a non-emergency service, and they will only be transporting dialysis patients from the nursing home to dialysis or from home to dialysis. She said they also sometimes will transport the patients to the hospital, as well as take them to their doctor’s appointments. She said they will not be using any ambulance lights or sirens inside the facility, but would do that outside. She said there will be no support for the ambulance. She said everything will be outside of this building, and said the main use for this building will be for billing and to keep the ambulance close to the nursing home.

At the request of Mayor Tomlinson, City Attorney Fay then read the three conditions that are included in the ordinance, which is outlined below.

Councilor McDaniel said he lives right off of Hilton Avenue and said that ambulances run up and down Hilton Avenue all day and night going to the hospital. He said he really don’t see where there would be anything different than what you already have. He said the other ambulances won’t be affected by this.

Ms. Alia Mezayek said they are going to do the non-emergency for now and said they will not use any lights and sirens. She said they are just going to test the lights and siren and said they have another location for that. She said they need this
location to be inside the city and closer to that facility. She said any kind of testing and supplies would be outside at the other location.

Councilor McDaniel said he doesn’t see where there will be any difference than what they have now.

Councilor Thomas said she knows that several months ago, we approved an ambulance location right off of Warm Springs Road and said we put certain conditions on that business and then asked the Director of the Planning Department Rick Jones, how do these conditions line up with those, or are there other conditions that we put on the Warm Springs Road facility that are not here.

Director of the Planning Department, Rick Jones said these conditions are identical in terms of what they asked for, with regards to the facility off of Warm Springs Road; in terms of making sure that we mitigated as much as we possible can, any noise that may impact the surrounding neighborhood. He said if you will recall the one that we had off of Warm Springs Road was adjacent to a house.

He said these same conditions were applied where they couldn’t idle the ambulances or turn the sirens on, as well as had to provide enough fencing or landscaping between the residential property and this piece of property. He said these are identical of what they asked for this piece of property and this property.

In responding to further concerns of Councilor Thomas, Director of the Planning Department, Mr. Jones said that if the language is not clear enough for the Council, then we could add some additional language that says there will be some buffering along the back side of the property, as well as along the east side; between the residents.

Councilor Thomas said she is concerned about those three properties on Gurley Drive that touches this property. She said she went out and rode the street and said from Gurley Drive, you can see through the property on these residences onto this property that fronts on Hilton Avenue. She said there are no trees or fences; however there is a cyclone fence, but there isn’t any other fence.

After further discussion on this matter, Councilor Thomas said if we could do something to add a buffer along the east side of the adjacent property and then made a motion to amend the resolution to include the additional buffer. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

Councilor Woodson then asked if the petitioner understands the amendment, to which City Attorney Fay pointed out that the ordinance will be amended to state that the buffer shall be required along the east side of the subject property, and along all public right-of-way including the Fall Line Trace and then asked the petitioner if she understands that. She said yes.

City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on this matter before a vote is taken on the amendment.

Ms. Margaret Gosden then came forward and stated that she and her sisters own the property located at 2240 Gurley Drive; which the back of their property is identified as Number 2 on the drawing; and said it is as Councilor Thomas described, a cyclone fence. She said there is nothing in terms of buffer except on their side of the fence and in addition the problem that is created is not immediate with the applicant and what she is intending to do in terms of non emergency services. She said the issue that they have is once this door is opened, it is open. She said we do have ambulances running up and down Hilton Avenue all the time, but said it is a little bit different when it is in your back yard and said it is literally in their back yard.

She pointed out that they have had this property since 1969, when they came into possession of it as a result of their father’s estate. She said her older sister resides in the property, but they own it jointly with her. She said her concern is that her sister be able to live there peacefully and quietly and not be awakening all hours of the night.

Ms. Gosden then spoke for some fifteen minutes or more in expressing her concerns with this matter, which includes an ongoing study of rainwater and the flooding problems that they have had associated with the area. She said Mr. Arrington is aware of this study. She said they have a 1950s vintage infrastructure to drain that creek to take in underground under Hilton Avenue where it is deeper and wider. She said there has been a variety of development that has caused an increase of water to be brought to that point. She said they have met with the sanitary sewer people from Columbus Water Works and have replaced a sewer, whereby they got an easement from the owner of this property, as well as one from them because what they had was a sewer above grade. She said they have corrected that, but said they have not gotten the results of this study.

After Ms. Gosden expressed her concerns, members of the Council then made comments regarding this matter, after which the Director of the Planning Department was asked to come forward and then responded to several questions of members of the Council.

Discussion continued on this matter, after which Councilor Henderson said if Councilor Thomas wants to make a motion to amend the resolution so that it requires a certain height buffer all along the contiguous property lines of all residential zoned property, he thinks that will be acceptable.

Councilor Thomas said she wants the buffer to be between this property and all the residential property, regardless if it is to the north, south, east or west and however, we need to word that, the City Attorney can do that. She said she is not as concerned about the Fall Line Trace, but said she is concerned about those residences.

City Attorney Fay said we can amend the resolution further to say that buffers shall be required adjacent to all residential property and along all public right-of-way, including the Fall Line Trace, subject to the approval of the City Arborist and Inspections Code Department.

Councilor Thomas then so moved to amend the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

After further discussion on this matter, and City Attorney Fay responding to further questions of the Council, the question then called on the motion to amend the resolution, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the resolution, as amended. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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ZONING PETITION DELAYED:

City Attorney Fay said he we had a request from a zoning applicant that was represented by Mr. George Mize, to rezone property located at 622 24th Street; they had gotten a delay of their second reading zoning until May 14th; however, they are now requesting it be put on second reading on April 23rd; so, we would need a vote of the Council to allow this zoning petition to come back before the Council on April 23rd for a second reading. He said there was an environmental issue, but he understands that has been worked out.

Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Councilor Allen said he would like to request to have an executive session on litigation and said he would like to see if we could get the Chief Tax Assessor to come up and talk to the Council.
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PUBLIC AGENDA MR. MIKE TURNER, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS PHENIX CITY INVENTORS ASSOCIATION, RE: AN UPDATE ON THE STUDENT WINNERS FROM THE COLUMBUS REGIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR HELD ON FEBRUARY 5- 6, 2013: __ _____________

Mr. Mike Turner and Ms. Pelatyah Hawkins, who are both members of the Columbus Phenix City Inventors Association, came forward and gave the Mayor and Council an update on those students who won in the Columbus Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held on February 5 – 6, 2013 that they sponsored.

1st Place Winner - Veer Shah – Student at Arnold Magnet Academy.

2nd Place Winner – Dasher Nolin – Student at Pacelli High School.

3rd Place Winner – Shelly Wells – Student at Pacelli High School.

Ms. Hawkins gave a short power point presentation showing photos of the winners along with their teachers and parents. She gave a brief description of what each of the student’s projects was and the materials that were used with their experiment.

She said their goal as an association is to encourage students and the community to start to think more creatively and innovational. She said if there is anyone here who has an idea for a service or a product, to please give them a call.
She said they can be reached at (706) 225-9587.

Mr. Turner said they will be back to present to you the 2013 winners that will be presented in 2014. He said the event will be presented by Columbus State University and they will be involved as an association. Mr. Turner and Ms. Hawkins then responded to questions of members of the Council.

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MS. CARMEN SOLOMON, REPRESENTING GREATER BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, RE: GREATER BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH 2ND ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, “BORN TO WIN”:________

Ms. Carmen Solomon, representing Greater Beulah Baptist Church came forward and extended an invitation to the Mayor and Council, as well as the community to attend their Second Annual Women’s Conference, entitled “Born To Win”.

Ms. Solomon highlighted some of the activities and classes that will be held during the conference.

Councilor Woodson asked Ms. Stephanie Hayes to come forward and tell a little information about the group home that she has.

Ms. Stephanie Hayes, wife of Pastor Hayes then came forward and gave some information about her group home, as well as, gave some additional information about the Women’s conference.
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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: presentations that he would like for him to do before he presents his agenda.
He said the first presentation he would like for him to do is the Public Safety Training Center update and said he has a resolution on his agenda for property acquisition at 3601 Gidden Road. He said after Mr. Arrington completes his presentation, we can call up this item to address it so that we can allow our Public safety personnel to get back to work.

He said he would also ask Deputy City Manager Arrington to make the presentation on the TSPLOST criteria, as well as do a brief update on Forrest Road.

City Manager Hugley said he would also like to delay Item Number Six on his agenda.

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, LISTED AS ITEM NUMBER SIX ON THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:___ ______ A Resolution – Authorizing the execution of a Quit Claim Deed for an unimproved segment to Ivy Avenue to Ms. Suzanne H. Corley, 1057-1059 Talbotton Road. The Georgia Department of Transportation is in the process of acquiring property on Talbotton/Warm Springs Road for a widening project that will impact this business. This property is needed to provide a driveway to the back of the business making it accessible for parking. This property was declared surplus on March 26, 2013 Ordinance 13-15 Council the acquisition of property on Macon Road for the purpose of relocating Fire Station 9 which was one of the projects included the 2008 L.O.S.T, presentation. He said the project included the relocation of the Fire Station from Jay Street over to the new site off Macon Road and it would also provide at least accommodations for the future development of a First Training Center. He said the one that is currently located off of 10th Avenue has limited time left in its useful life and the City will have to replace those facilities in the very near future; and said this was an opportunity for us to locate those facilities in the center of town and make it more convenient for fire training. He said at that time, however, there was some discussion about an opportunity for the City to possibly partner with
The Georgia Public Safety Training Center on the development of a regional
Public Safety Training Center

He said last year around Thanksgiving, Mr. Tim Beardon Director of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center had contacted the Mayor and City Manager and had asked us to look for opportunities for us to partner with them on a site to locate the Regional Police Academy; which is currently located on the campus of Columbus State University. He said they were looking to relocate and there was some concerns expressed by the Training Center about relocating the Police Academy to an alternate site and they were looking to either locate outside of Columbus, which would have been very expensive for us because we would have to pay our police officers to travel to a site outside of Columbus.

Deputy City Manager Arrington said therefore we worked with them to look for opportunities to develop a Training Center. He said we looked at spaces that the City had available located off Schatulga Road, as well as some that will become available in the near future with the relocation of the Muscogee Manor property on Schatulga Road. However, during the course of those discussions, the Training Center continued to talk with Columbus State University.

He also pointed out that the Public Safety Training Center was initially reluctant to relocate to the facility due to the cost of renovations and possible increase in rent payments to the Army Reserve Center on Macon Road; however, it is his understanding from staff at the Public Safety Training Center that Columbus State has agreed to renovate the facility to meet the needs of the Regional Academy and to keep their rent at the current rate. Several officials from the Public Safety Training Center toured the Army Reserve Center last week. The location provides more square footage than their current facility and will adequately accommodate their training programs. This has apparently satisfied the short term needs for the Regional Academy.

He said according to Public Safety Training Center staff, they would still like to work with the City on developing a joint use Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. The course would require approximately 10 acres of land and funding for developing the site.

After the conclusion of Deputy City Manager Arrington’s presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.

Members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this matter. Deputy City Manager Arrington then responded to those questions and concerns of members of the Council.

After the conclusion of further discussion on this matter, the question was then called on the above motion to adopt the resolution, as outlined below, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (115-13) – Authorizing the approval to purchase 16+/- acres of property on Gidden Road for relocation of Fire Station #9 and a training center to be constructed some time in the future. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for the meeting.

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UPDATE ON FORREST ROAD: Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Forrest Road project, from Floyd Road east to Schatulga Road is under right-of-way acquisition right now. He said we have two consultants that are acquiring the right-of-way on our behalf. He said there is a total of 168 parcels that are involved that they will need to either acquire a right-of-way or an easement in order for this project to continue. He said out of the 168 parcels involved, the consultants have made contact with 159 of the property owners and have done title certificates on 24 of the properties, appraisals on 45 and has 25 options that have been signed and 7 that are already proceeding to closing; which has taken place in a manner of three months. He said they signed the contract with the consultants back towards the end of the year. He said their contract requires them to be complete with the acquisition process by December 3, 2013. He said as we get toward the closing of their contract, which will be near the end of the year, we will go ahead and have our consultants to put together the construction plans to where we can put the project out; if not right before this date, then immediately after this date for the construction on the phase of Forrest Road from Floyd Road east to Schatulga Road.

City Manager Hugley said on yesterday we were talking about the correct spelling of Forrest Road and said he talked with the staff and said it is spelled with two “r”. He said he believes that we may have one or two signs with just one “r” and said we will get those signs corrected.

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TSPLOST, DISCRETIONARY FUNDING PROPOSED CRITERIA:

Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Council had asked the staff to provide a copy of the criteria that we were looking at as far as how to allocate the discretionary funds through the TSPLOST and we provided you with an email copy earlier this week and said there was a copy in the Councilors packets for today’s meeting.

He said they looked first at what the State of Georgia, and what the Transportation Investment Act gave them for guidance; which just says that all the proceeds used by the local government should only be used for transportation projects as defined in the Georgia Code. He said it also talks about the project and defining it. He said it states that any new or existing airport, bike lanes, bridges, bus or rail transit systems, freight and passenger rails, pedestrians facilities, porch, roads, terminals and all activities and structures usefully and incident to providing, operating and maintaining the same. He said they use this as their guide in looking at the criteria.

Deputy City Manager Arrington said the criteria that they have established represent our current transportation needs in the community. These needs and the funding priority may change from year to year as additional improvements are identified or repairs become necessary. Projected funding from the TSPLOST Discretionary allocation will typically supplement other funding sources in each category. He said it won’t be the sole source of funds for most of the projects that they use, but it will supplement some other funding source in each of the categories.

Mr. Arrington then went into further details in outlining the five proposed criteria that they have identified.

Proposed Criteria –
what the staff had proposed is that they would bring, using this criteria, a proposed allocation to the Mayor & City Manager in this fiscal year budget process and said we have yet to provide them with a full recommendation in the budget process and discuss it; and then it would be submitted to Council for their approval through the Mayor’s recommended budget.

Several members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this proposed criteria, highlighting several questions and concerns regarding this subject, after which City Manager Hugley and Deputy City Manager Arrington then responded to questions of members of the . Several referrals regarding various items were then made by the Council for a later response from the staff, which is outlined below. DIRT ROADS:

Councilor Woodson said she would like for the staff to look at private roads and determine if there is any type of guidance or assistance that we can offer to residents with regards to resurfacing the private roads.

STEAMMILL ROAD:

Mayor Tomlinson said in the context of the process that’s in place, let’s have the staff to check and look at Steam Mill Road for the possibility of installing sidewalks.

HILTON AVENUE:

Councilor McDaniel said he would like for the staff to check the schedule to see when or if Hilton Avenue will be resurfaced from Averett Drive to Edgewood Road, as this road is in terrible shape with several potholes, and it is a heavily used road with a lot of traffic and its getting terrible by the day.

TSPLOST PROJECTS:

Councilor Thomas said we need to make sure that we don’t allocate any of this money until we have it in hand. Also, let’s make sure that all councilors receive a monthly report from revenue, expenditures and the balance, in the same manner that we receive the other L.O.S.T. report; so that we will know regularly how much is there and how much we have spent and how much is left. She said she would like for us to bring this matter back at a Work Session to discuss it further and come up with a different resolution.

SIDEWALKS CRITERIA:

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have the staff to go back and pull the criteria that we had established when we did the sidewalk projects, as to where they would be installed; and provide a copy to the members of the Council when we have the Work Session on April 30th.

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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left at this point in the meeting, with the time being 11:30 a.m.
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SIDEWALKS:

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said when we talk about curbs and gutters as it relates to sidewalks, there have been incidents of accidents, lives’ lost, persons injured on sidewalks because the driver veered off the road; therefore, when we look at these projects, we need to look at existing sidewalks in addition to new sidewalks; and what we need to go back and do from a safety standpoint, what we need to do.

CRITERIA FOR TSPLOST PROJECTS:

Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to have the staff to contact each councilor and get some input as to exactly what they mean by criteria, and exactly what they would like to see as one of the criteria.

WORKSESSION AGENDA:

Councilor Thomas said in setting the agenda for our Work Sessions for the April 30th Meeting, She would like for us to make sure that the majority of that meeting is set aside to discuss this issue with the criteria for the TSPLOST so that we can have the conversations that we need to have.

TSPOLOST FUNDS:

Councilor Davis said he would like to have the staff to provide information as to how the TSPLOST funds will be separated from the approved line items within the budget.

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, LISTED AS ITEM NUMBER TWO ON THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA WAS THEN DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:_____ ___

A Resolution – Authorizing the approval of the TSPLOST Criteria for discretionary projects.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________ ________

A Resolution (116-13) – Authorizing the naming of the Columbus Natatorium the "Columbus Aquatic Center". The cost of signage will come from project funds associated with the City Services Center project. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (117-13) – Authorizing the approval to enter into a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to receive $3.5 million in Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Funds for activities for South Lumpkin Multi-Use Facility. This project will be 100% funded from collection of TSPLOST funds and will not require a match. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker absent for this meeting.

from Norfolk Southern for property located along the 600 block of 6th Avenue. Norfolk Southern is donating land to the City to create a Memorial Garden to commemorate the significance of the site. The property is located along the 600 block of 6th Avenue should be recognized as one of two of the original "Old Colored Cemetery" in Columbus. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting. *** *** *** EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND DEFEATED BY
THE COUNCIL:_________________________________________________
Recycling Center from Malone Office Environments (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $45,892.73. The furniture consists of a desk, a credenza, various types of chairs, and various types of tables.
Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

Councilor Thomas said if we approve this request we would have spent over $935,000 within the last couple of months on furniture; almost a million on furniture. She said when she questioned the $880,000 for the Citizen Service Center, she was told that, yes, the people who are moving to the Citizen Service Center currently have furniture, but that furniture was going to be either used by the people who are moving into those locations or stored. She said she find it hard to believe that if we are replacing $885,000 worth of furniture in this building that we can’t find furniture to be recycled for the Recycling Center. She said there are so many things that we can spend a million dollars on other than furniture.

City Manager Hugley, in response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh with regards to the cost of the furniture, said this is $45,845.00 for the new Sustainability Center that is being constructed out by the landfill.

Several members of the Council expressed their views regarding the purchase of the furniture for the new Sustainability Center.

City Manager Hugley said this is a brand new building and when the building was designed and constructed, furniture and fixture would be conducive to the new building.

After further discussion on this subject, City Manager Hugley responded to further questions of members of the Council.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to delay action on this matter until such time as we can find out if there is furniture available for the Sustainability Center.

Councilor Woodson said she could withdraw her motion for approval; however, Mayor Tomlinson stated that there was a vote already in process and that we needed to proceed with taking that vote.

There was then some discussion with regards to the parliamentary procedure and whether or not a substitute motion could be made at this time. After some further discussion, Mayor Tomlinson then ruled that a vote was in process and that the question needed to be called on the motion, and then asked Clerk of Council Washington to proceed with taking the vote, which resulted in the resolution being defeated. Voting for the motion was Councilors Huff and Woodson. Voting against the motion was Councilors Allen, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Councilor McDaniel was absent for the vote and Councilor Baker was absent for this meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion for the staff to do some research and see if we have any furniture available to use for the new recycling facility center, and if not the request should be brought back to the Council for approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.

Councilor Henderson said this is already budgeted and this is the tail end of the process and said he was going to vote to put it in there, but given our situation, he voted against it to get the substitute motion on the floor and if we find out there is no other furniture, then we can always move to reconsider. He said that is where he is headed with this. He said if we don’t identify the furniture, he will call for reconsideration.

City Manager Hugley said we will do an assessment and see what we have.

Mayor Tomlinson also said that she would like for the staff to do an assessment on what furniture is available, and see what can be salvaged and what can be used in the new recycling center.

The question was then called on the motion, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

*** *** *** THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____________ ______________________

A Resolution (119-13) – Authorizing the purchase of bus route signs and poles from Vulcan Signs (Foley, AL) for the estimated contract value of $42,969.00. METRA Transit will purchase bus route signs and poles, on an “as needed” basis. METRA Transit will install and maintain bus route signs and poles along City owned streets within Muscogee County. The term of the contract shall be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (120-13) – Authorizing the approval of engineering services from W.K. Dickson, in the amount of $70,520.00, for additional engineering services required for Forrest Road improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (121-13) – Authorizing It is requested that Council approve payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc., Appraisal and Tax Division (Dallas, TX), in the amount of $95,000.00, for the annual renewal fee for OASIS Maintenance Support, covering the period January 2013 through December 2013. Payment will be made in two installments in the amount of $47,500.00; the first payment upon approval of this resolution, and the second payment after July 1st. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting. A Resolution (122-13) – Authorizing the approval to purchase of one (1) asphalt sealer tank (Crafco SS125-DC), from Reynolds-Warren Equipment Co., Inc., (Lake City, GA), in the amount of $51,695.00. The equipment will be utilized by the Street Division to prolong the life of the road. It will be used to apply asphalt to various cracks that can cause a potential lift hazard of cracked asphalt that otherwise is in good shape. This is a replacement unit. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting. A Resolution (123-13) – Authorizing the approval to purchase of one (1) Chipper Dump Truck (2013 Ford F-750 XL) from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA), in the amount of $74,619.00, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-SPD0000039. The vehicle was approved in the FY13 Budget. It will be used by the Urban Forestry and Beautification Division, of the Public Services Department, to collect tree cutting debris. It is a replacement vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (124-13) – Authorizing the purchase of Trophies and other Miscellaneous Awards from Columbus Fire & Safety d/b/a Columbus Trophy & Screen Print for the estimated annual contract value of $110,994.00. The contract includes screen-printing services, as well as, the following items to be provided on an “as needed basis”: trophies, plaques, hats, resin figures, medal trophy cases, tombstone trophies and acrylics, t-shirts and golf shirts. The trophies and other miscellaneous awards are used by the Parks and Recreation Department to give to participants in basketball, volleyball, softball and boxing tournaments. The contract period shall be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor. Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

A Resolution (125-13) – Authorizing the approval of the contract for auditing services from Albright & Fortenberry, & Ninas, LLP, to be utilized by The Finance Department. The services are needed to provide the Finance Department with the professional services of an external Certified Public Accountant to perform financial and compliance audits. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) and in accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The examination shall be made in compliance with applicable laws of the State of Georgia and the Columbus Consolidated Government. The contract will be for five consecutive fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, and ending with fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, with an option to renew for an additional five, one-year terms, and subject to annual review and the availability of an appropriation for audit services.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING FOUR 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 COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILOR BAKER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING:_____________________________________________________

A Resolution (126-13) – Authorizing the approval of the annual contract for the purchase of fire hose from NAFECO (Decatur, AL) on an “as needed basis” for the estimated contract value of $29,548.50. The contract will provide fire fighters with fire hose to be used during structural fire fighting; the term of the contract shall be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods, contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.

A Resolution (127-13) – Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Tandem Axle Fuel Lube Truck (2014 Freightliner M2 112 66,000GVW) from Peach State Truck Centers (Norcross, GA), in the amount of $212,207.00, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-10000039-0002. The vehicle was approved in the FY13 Budget. It will be used by the Street Division, of the Public Services Department, to fuel off-road vehicles throughout the City. This is a replacement vehicle.

A Resolution (128-13) – Authorizing the approval to purchase five (5) Service Trucks [2013 Ford F250 Regular Cab V8 Long Bed 4x2 (3/4 ton)] from Allan Vigil Ford (Morrow, GA), in the amount of $117,040.00 ($23,408.00 each), via Georgia Statewide Contract #S-90795-B32. These vehicles were approved in the FY13 Budget under the Vehicle Replacement Program. Vehicles #9981, #9668, #9667, #9979, and #9805 were declared salvage due to high mileage, age, mechanical and safety issues, and high operation cost. Three (3) of the trucks will be used by Facilities Maintenance and the remaining two (2) will be used by Parks & Recreation. The Facilities Maintenance trucks will be used by employees to service City buildings and facilities. The Park Services trucks will be used by employees to maintain City parks and recreation buildings throughout the City. These are replacement vehicles.

A Resolution (129-13) – Authorizing the approval for the purchase and installation of television studio equipment from The WH Platts Company (Norcross, GA), for CCG TV, to be housed in the new City Services Center currently under construction. Request for proposal invitations were mailed to fourteen vendors and specifications were posted on the City’s website, the Georgia Procurement Registry and OnVia Demand Star. A Non-Mandatory Site Visit was conducted on February 27, 2013.

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Several members of the Council requested information from City Manager Hugley, which are outlined below for a response back from the staff at a later date.

AUDITING SERVICES/TV EQUIPMENT:

Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to provide a report back to the Council when negotiations are completed on the Auditing Services and TV equipment.

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UNION STREET:

Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to look at putting up a “Children at Play” sign to be installed along Union Street, which is a small street where are a lot of kids are outside playing.

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DEMOLITION LIST:

Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to check on the property located in the Benning Hills area that has had a “D’ painted on it for awhile now; to determine where it is in the demolition process.

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BEDFORD AVENUE:

Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to check on the status of the request to have speed tables installed on Bedford Avenue between Old Cusseta Road and Moline Avenue; where a citizen is having trouble getting out of his driveway.

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PECAN STREET:

Councilor Huff said he would also like for the staff to have the appropriate department to look into the speeding problem on Pecan Street.

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MT. PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH:

Councilor Huff said that he received a telephone call from Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and Reverend Harris is having his anniversary the fourth Sunday and said he wanted to know if it was the proper time to send the information back to the Board of Honor. He said we did mention it. He said we had a discussion with regards to his resume and what he had contributed to the City.

City Manager Hugley said he will check into it and see what has happened.

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ROSEWOOD DRIVE:

Councilor Barnes said he would like for the staff to provide an update on the traffic calming device for Rosewood Drive; when will they be coming in and installed.

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FIRST AVENUE:

Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to provide an update with regards to a previous conversation she had with the Engineering Director about an area on the east side of 1st Avenue at 11th Street and 12th Street when it rains in the first four or five parking spots, they are submerged with water; to see what has been done in this regard.

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BUDGET MEETINGS:

Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to proceed with setting the dates for the budget meetings in order that the Council can put them on their calendars.

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DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD PARKING:

Councilor Henderson said he would like for the staff to look at setting up a meeting with the Little League officials to discuss the issue with parking on Double Churches Road and come up with some type of solutions for parking for those parking during the Little League games. He said a solution has to be made because people are getting tickets during games because there is nowhere for them to park.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen left at this point in the proceedings, with the time being 12:15 p.m.
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SHELTERS FOR BUS STOPS:

Councilor Henderson said he would like for the staff to check and see what we can do about installing shelters at all bus stops because when it rains, there are people standing out there waiting at the bus stops without shelters. Also, let’s look at considering the partnership that we had at one time.

Councilor Davis said he would also ask the staff to look at installing a bus shelter at the bus stop across from Cracker Barrel on Bradley Park Drive.

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MUSCOGEE MANOR:

Councilor Davis said he would like for the staff to look into some concerns of pouring concrete and other things from the residents in and around the area of Whitesville and Williams Road where the construction of the new Muscogee Manor facility is being built.

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DOWNTOWN STREET STUDIES:

Deputy City Manager Arrington said they previously came before the Council to discuss the downtown street studies that was being conducted by the City and indicated that we had planned on going out and having public meetings concerning the matter. He said there had been some confusion in the community because there were a number of studies that had been ongoing and in part they related to the need to convert the one-way streets to two-way in the Uptown area. He said he came a month or so ago to the Council with Mr. Matt Swift and the Pastor of St. Luke Church and said they talked about those three studies. He said they had a similar discussion in the public meetings to try to clarify to the public exactly the origin of the discussion and why it was occurring.

He said the presentation that the Council has before them on today is the same presentation they presented in the public meetings and said in the back of that presentation, is a summary of the number who attended and their preferences on the options they discussed.

Deputy City Manager Arrington then went into some details and gave a brief summary reviewing some of the key points that they discussed with them in their presentation; pointing out that they are proposing to convert 10th Street to two-way traffic to address the things that he had previously mentioned. He said they would then come back in three or five years and take another look at 11th /12th after they have the full impact of Whitewater operations and we see what other things are occurring in the Uptown area for the expansion of Columbus State University and the increased traffic. He said it may be that there is a need for us to continue to have the one-way streets because of the capacity issues, but said right now that is not the case.

He said another recommendation that they are proposed to move forward with is to construct a intersection bulb out at 3rd Avenue /11th Street; which will shorten the time it takes for pedestrians to get from one side of 11th Street to the other side. He said we feel like this will improve safety in that area and they can do within the next fiscal year.

Deputy City Manager Arrington said they will be discussing these proposals with the Mayor & City Manager with the FY-14 budget process and whether or not they will be included in that proposed budget.

Councilor Thomas pointed out that she attended one of those meetings and that Deputy City Manager Arrington did a good job in making that presentation. She said she had a number of telephone calls and conversations with some of the people along 11th Street about this issue; and they, to the person, are very pleased with Mr. Arrington’s presentation and the recommendations that the staff has here. She said they particularly like the bulb out concept so that it is a shorter timeframe for the kids at St. Luke to be out in the street. She said she would like to thank Deputy City Manager Arrington for all the time and effort that he has put into this, as it shows. She said she thinks that we are well on our way to coming to some resolutions to some of those issues.

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FIRE HYDRANT:

Councilor Huff said after the widening of Moon Road, there was a fire hydrant put on the side of the road facing a hill and said there was some concern by one of the property owners that in case of a fire, they wouldn’t be able to get the fire hose onto the hydrant and said he asked Director of Engineering Donna Newman to check into it. He said he made a telephone call on Friday and said he was told that all fire hydrants have to face the road according to the way they are installed and that the hill will be maintained.

Director of the Department of Engineering said they have contacted the Columbus Water Works because they are responsible for the design and installation. She said they have put the Water Works and Fire Department in contact and they will make any changes that are necessary.

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MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE:

Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director, came forward and presented the following with regards to the monthly finance update for the February 2013. She said this is a little dated and said the March report will be ready in the next week or so.

She said on the other Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.), this is the Local Option Sales Tax through January, that’s reported through February, we have collected $19 million this fiscal year, which is down 4.66% from the same period of time last year. She said we are experiencing a reduction in our sales tax. She said we are seeing that in the other Local Option Sales tax, as well as our original L.O.S.T.

She said she has included in the report, by department how the funding has been spent; and said as Councilor Thomas mentioned on the TSPLOST, she will do a similar report for the TSPLOST that we do for the L.O.S.T. and report that to the Council monthly. She said after two months of collection, for January and February. She said the first month on our discretionary funds was a $163,000 and on the second month, which was Friday was $212,000; and said in total what has been collected for our region is $2.9 million for January and $3.8 million for February.

Ms. Hodge said that is collections for the entire region and 75% of the funding is held by the State at GSFIC, 25% of the funding is discretionary and it is disbursed through the counties. She said she will have report to include with the March report on how much is collected in each one of the counties in our region, as well as how much was disbursed.

Operating Funds for General Funds – 2.47% up from where we were last year.

Ms. Hodge said the funding majority by property tax, which is storm water, paving, Medical Center Fund, Economic Development and Debt Service. She said in looking at the percentages, we are at 95, 96 & 97% of budget. She said most of the taxes have been collected for those funds so we have almost met budget on those particular funds; up about 2 or 2.5% from where we were last year, which was the increase in our digest; which is what they expect.

Integrated Waste – down 1.93%
E911 Fund – up 4.62% (new revenue source for pre-paid phones)
Transportation – up 8.96%
Parking Management – down 9.35%
Trade Center – down 2.13% , but their revenues are in line with their expenditures
(Revenues - $1.4 million, Expenditures – $1.46 million)
Bull Creek – down 3%, but their revenues tracking close to expenditures $ 806,000 versus $847,000 in expenditures.
Oxbow – up 2.04%
Civic Center Fund – down 11.33%

Health Insurance Fund – Ms. Hodge said through the end of February our revenue is $1.1 million less than our expenditures. She said we are seeing a negative trend in our health insurance fund and as we are putting the Health and Wellness Center on line we will be reporting back to the Council each month.
She said we are looking at ways to offset that $1.1 million and said we had come before the Council on last year to propose a rate increase for the employees, but said we have put that on hold and will be looking at it again in January 2014.

Mayor Tomlinson said we do need to go ahead and get the dates for the budget meetings so that the Council can make plans. She said she would also like to get a draft of the spreadsheet to the Council, and said she would like to have meetings with them individually with the budget situation that we will be facing this year.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:__________

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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: ______________________________________ __________

Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 10-13 & 11-13.
Board of Water Commissioners, January 14 & February 11, 2013.
C.I.R.C.L.E., February 12, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, January 24, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, March 14, 2013.
Golf Authority, March 26, 2013.
Hospital Authority, February 26, 2013.
Housing Authority, February 20, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, February 20, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, February 27, 2013.

Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, McDaniel and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:

ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Daniel Smith, who served on our Animal Control Board passed away a few weeks ago and said that Council must nominate someone to fill that unexpired term. She further pointed out that his widow has expressed an interest in serving out his term of office on the board.

Councilor Thomas then nominated Ms. Carla Anthony to fill this unexpired term.

Councilor Woodson asked that Clerk of Council Washington get a copy of Mrs. Smith bio and bring it forward. Clerk of Council Washington said we will bring this back at the next regular meeting for Council’s action.

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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last meeting, Mr. Vincent Allen was nominated to serve another term of office on the board and advises that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

She further 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.

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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms. Addie Cunningham, District Three representative, Mr. Abdur Hassan, Council District Four representative, Mr. Jim Irwin, Council District Seven representative, Mr. Walter Lewis, Council District One representative, Ms. Sharon Pierce, Council District Eight representative and Mr. Robert Wetzel, Council District Two representative terms of office expired on March 1, 2013. She further pointed out that Ms. Cunningham, Mr. Hassan, Mr. Irwin and Mr. Lewis are eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.

Councilor Barnes then nominated Mr. Lewis for another term of office. Councilor Henderson then moved he be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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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.

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CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Katonga Wright was nominated at the last meeting to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Kim Peters, who resigned and advised that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the Mayor is nominating Ms. Christy Lemieux to succeed Mr. Bernard McCrary, who is no longer a resident of Muscogee County and Mr. Adrian Chester to succeed Mr. Marvin Moore, who does not wish to serve again. She further pointed out that they may now be confirmed.

Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms. Sharon Cox Bevley, Mr. Robert Wright, Mr. Winston Bailey, Ms. Nancy Rinn and Mr. Alfred Hayes on the Crime Prevention Board expired on March 31, 2013.
She further pointed out that Ms. Bevley, Mr. Wright, Mr. Bailey and Ms. Rinn was all eligible to succeed themselves. She also pointed out that Mr. Hayes does not wish to be reappointed for another term of office.

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Wright, Ms. Bevley are the Mayor’s appointments and Mr. Bailey, Ms. Rinn and Mr. Hayes are the Council’s appointment.
She said we have placed a call in to these individuals, but have not heard back from them as of yet; however Mayor Tomlinson said she has heard back from
Mr. Wright and he would like to serve again; therefore, she will nominate him again. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved Mr. Wright be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

Councilor Woodson moved Mr. Bailey be confirmed for another term of office. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

Councilor Davis pointed out that he will have a nominee for Mr. Alfred Hayes’ seat at the next meeting. Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is nominating Ms. Jeanette Davis for Mr. Hayes’ seat as well. She said she would bring this back at our next regular meeting for Council to take a vote.

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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Hugley to go into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter, Councilor Henderson made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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At 12:52 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

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At 1:05 p.m., the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to discuss a personnel matter, but there was no votes taken.

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Mayor Tomlinson said there is one item on the Clerk of Council’s Agenda that we can go back to and clear up while we are still in session and then called on Clerk of Council Washington.

Clerk of Council Washington then pointed out that on the Board appointments we can go ahead and confirm Ms. Sharon Cox Bevley, who the Mayor is nominating for another term of office. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.

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ORGAN DONATION MONTH:

Councilor Barnes said this month is organ donation month and said the Agape Group Foundation will be having a table set up in the 1000 block of Broadway on April 20th. He said there are 6,000 transports done each and there are more than 117,000 people on the organ transplant list nationwide. He said as he mentioned at the Proclamation session, that is the best gift that you can give anyone is an organ.
He said Ms. Natasha Banks and Ms. Shanna Robbins will be there at the table that is setup and said if there is anyone who is interested to please go by and visit the table on April 20th.

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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Tomlinson she said would entertain a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting, with the time of adjournment being 1:05 p.m.



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