MINTUES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 8, 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 was Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Berry H. Henderson, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. 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. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at 9:06 a.m. Councilors Glenn Davis and Bruce Huff took their seats at 9:06 a.m.

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ABSENT: Councilors Jerry “Pops” Barnes and Tom B. Buck III were absent, but were excused upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 260-15 & 261-15 respectively.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rabbi Beth Schwartz- of Temple Israel.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Rigdon Road
Elementary School.
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PRESENTATION:

Mayor Tomlinson said we have a special presentation that we would like to call forward on this morning. She said we have members of the Retirees Benefit Committee, who is listed on the City Manager’s Agenda, but said they have a very special person with them that we want to commemorate her service. She then called forth the members of the committee, including their previous Chairperson, Ms. Mary Stranger.

The Mayor also recognized the presence of Ms. Rhonda Davis, who is the new Chairperson of the Committee.

Mr. Billy Watson then introduced the other members of the committee, to include Mr. Larry Campbell, President of the Retiree’s Association, and Mr. Lester Massey. He said back in February 2011, the Council created a Retirees Health Benefit’s Committee, which was comprised of five members, four of which was appointed by the Council and one by the Mayor. He said the Mayor’s appointee was to be Chair of the Committee and said that it was a shock to some of them when the Mayor appointed someone other than a retiree.

He said they wondered what type of person would want the position and how much effort they would put into it. He said he would like to express the appreciation of the committee to Ms. Stranger and said that she is one of the nicest and caring persons that he has ever met.

Mr. Watson said they if anyone has ever attended one of their meetings, they would have believed that she were just one of them. He said they expressed their appreciation to Mary at their last meeting, but said he just wanted to read a letter of appreciation that he wanted to go into the records of the Council.

He then read the following into the records of the Council: Letter of Appreciation to Mary Stranger, From the Retirees Health Benefit’s Committee.

This is not only a letter of thanks for the effort you put forth but also the sincere interest and concern you showed for retirees while serving as “chair” of our committee.

There is an old saying “to have friends you have to be one”. True friends are friends that are willing to give of themselves without expecting something in return. They are hard to find in today’s world and should be treasured.

You are now and will always be considered a true friend by members of the Retiree Health Benefits Committee.

Sincerely,

Members of the Retirees Health Committee

Ms. Stranger then thanked the committee for allowing her to serve and work with them.

Mayor Tomlinson also thanked Ms. Stranger and then presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for her service to the committee.
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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 (249-15) – Authorizing modification of the Medicare eligible health plan benefits and the United Healthcare Medicare Advantage PPO plan.

Mr. Billy Watson came forward and presented the recommendation for the health benefit for the retiree’s health plan for the year of 2016. He said in 2011 when the Retirees’ Health Committee was created, their insurance premium was $135.00 per month; and today it is $137.92 with a maximum out of pocket expense of $1,000. He said they have two options for the year 2016, which are (1) Keep the $1,000 maximum out of pocket expense, which would have increased the retiree’s premium by $8.32 to $146.24 a month; and the City’s increase by $2.77. (2) Increase the out of pocket expense maximum from $1,000 to $1,500 and a small premium adjustment that represents only $2.11 a month in premium rates increase. He said the City’s increase would only by .70 cents per month.

Mr. Watson said they chose the $1,500 out of pocket expense maximum option, which they think is the best for not only the retirees, but the City of Columbus as well. He said there has been a tremendous increase of insurance premiums throughout this Country; however, over a 5-year span, from 2011- 2016, there has only been about $5.00 increase in the retiree’s premium, $3.75 for the retirees and $1.25 by the City and said we have done this even with the $3.00 tax by the Affirmative Care Act and $2.50 cost to remove the drug section from our policy. He said we could not have done this without the tremendous assistance from Northwestern Benefits Consultants.

City Manager Hugley said that with what Mr. Watson has outlined, he is asking for the Council’s approval on this matter. He said we are requesting to modify the Medicare Eligible Health Care Plan and Benefit, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage PPO plan by raising out of pocket maximum from $1,000 to $1,500, as stated by Mr. Watson. He said the monthly rates increase from $137.92 per month to $140.03 for the City’s subsided retirees group, and an increase from $183.89 per month to $186.70 for the unsubsized retiree’s group. He said these changes will become effective on January 1, 2016.

Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

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HISTORIC WESTVILLE, INC:

Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward and said they came before the Council a few years ago and said that there was a Memorandum of Understanding that was entered into with Westville, Inc., back in August of 2013l; and they are here today to give an update as to where we are with that.

Ms. Laura McCool, Community Reinvestment Division Manager came forward and provided the following information during her presentation to the Mayor and Council, as it relates to Historic Westville, Inc.

Presented to Council on August 13, 2013

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: After she concluded her presentation, Ms. McCool stated that Westville would now come forward to give an update.

Mr. Leo Goodsell, Executive Director of Westville said they are excited about coming to Columbus and wanted to share with you what they have accomplished to date. He said a committee of local leaders, members of the education committee, their board members and staff has engaged in a multi-step process to develop a new plan for the Historic Westville that will be the foundation for their program for years to come. He said their vision for the site in South Columbus includes an emphasis on storytelling and will engage and connect a diverse community by challenging and transforming perceptions of the 19th Century South. He said by using its historic structures and artifacts to illustrate their stories, Westville will explore the uniqueness of the southern experience and their contributions to American History, politics and culture.

He said they have three historic structures, which includes the historic Chattahoochee courthouse, two churches, a general store and several town buildings, shops, plantation houses, slave houses, a number of log buildings, including one of a Creek Indian construction. He said they have organized a strong team to guide the continuing planning and implementation. He said Aaron & Clements- Project Managers, French & Associates - Landscape Architects, 2WR & Associates - Architects, Solid Light – Interpretation Design Company, American Lowe – Building Moving Company.

Mr. Goodsell said they have been meeting with Georgia Power and other utilities to plan logistics for the move. He said preliminary work on the site has started; the brush has been cleared, and they have accessed the trees, as well as completed a topographic survey. He said they continue to make process with their fundraising plans, and are pleased with the enthusiasm and support that they are finding with the community. He said that they are committed to the new Historic Westville opening once they have raised all of the monies needed to bring Columbus a great learning and life enriching institution.

He said they are developing partnerships for future collaborations with their Columbus neighbors, and schools. He said the City of Columbus has received them warmly and they look forward to being an intricate part of this community. The following individuals, who were also present with Mr. Goodsell, came forward and introduced themselves: Mr. Ryan Clements, Ms. Savannah Grande, Ms. Darby Brittle, Ms. Chilean Wong, Mr. Randy Whitt, and Ms. Gloria Johnson.

City Manager Hugley pointed out that they have a resolution, as listed on his agenda to approve the Memorandum of Understanding.

AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE DISCUSSION, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (250-15) – Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an amended Memorandum of Agreement with Historic Westville, Inc. to extend the time frame to begin normal operations of the Living History Museum for an additional one (1) year.

Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the June 23 & July 14, 2015 Council Meetings of the Consolidated Government were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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NOTE: The City Manager’s Agenda is continued below.
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CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING:__

An Ordinance (15-40) – Rezoning properties located at 4803 & 4811 13th Avenue from SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) zoning district.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (15-41) – Rezoning properties located at 1120 Talbotton Road from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.

Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

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An Ordinance (15-42) – Rezoning properties located at 5990 Warm Springs Road from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.

Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried by a vote of six to two with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Davis, Henderson and Huff voting yes and Councilors Thomas and Woodson voting no, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting. (See below for additional information regarding the vote on this ordinance, to make a correction on the vote, to show the correct vote as being carried unanimously)
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DEFEATED ON SECOND READING:

An Ordinance – Rezoning properties located south of and adjacent to 5700 and 5710 Warm Springs Road for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district with a variance for 20 foot rear setback and 45% lot coverage.

Councilor Allen said a lot of concerns have been expressed over this site; he said his gut tells him that it should be developed residential; however, the concern that he has are the number of lots there and the condition that has been requested by the builder that we talked about last week and said for that reason, he would like to make a motion that this ordinance be denied. Seconded by Councilor Henderson.

Referring back to Ordinance Number 15-42, as listed above, Councilor Thomas said she misread her agenda on the item on Warm Spring Road and pointed out that she voted no in error on this ordinance and wanted to change her vote. Councilor Woodson also stated that she did the same thing.

In response to Mayor Tomlinson, Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need to have a Councilor who voted in the affirmative to make a motion asking for reconsideration on this ordinance. Councilor Henderson then asked for a motion for reconsideration of this vote. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

Mayor Tomlinson then re-called the vote on the motion to adopt Ordinance Number 15-42, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

The question was then called on Councilor Allen’s motion to defeat the ordinance and seconded by Councilor Henderson to rezone properties located south of and adjacent to 5700 and 5710 Warm Springs Road for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district with a variance for 20 foot rear setback and 45% lot coverage, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING:__

An Ordinance (15-43) – Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to add section 4.3.11(D) Bicycle Parking in Lieu of Minimum Parking. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (15-44) – Amending the Procurement Ordinance by adding a new Part D to Article 5 to incorporate procurement requirements applicable to construction projects using Federal Aid Highway Funding; and for other purposes.

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DEPUTY CITY MANAGER PAM HODGE AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance – Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015 so as to appropriate and account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in the case of Darr v. Columbus; and for other purposes.

An Ordinance-Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015 so as to appropriate and account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk in the case of Pierce v. Columbus; and for other purposes.

An Ordinance – Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 so as to appropriate and account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in the case of Darr v. Columbus; and for other purposes.

An Ordinance –Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 so as to appropriate and account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk in the case of Pierce v. Columbus; and for other purposes.

City Attorney Fay said these ordinances are to comply with the orders of the Muscogee County Superior Court Judge Fuller in the cases of Darr v. Columbus, and Pierce v. Columbus. He said the merits of these cases have not been reached, but said these have been ordered by a Superior Court Judge pursuant to a specific Georgia Statue that allows attorney fees for constitutional officers in certain circumstances. He said the merits of this case whether or not this Council or local legislators have the power to set annual budgets for all officers and all departments have not been reached. He said the law on that has not changed in 50 years and said we are still confident that the Georgia Supreme Court will eventually rule that this Council has to power to set the budget for any constitutional officer.

Mayor Tomlinson said the fee amount was never in contest as far as whether or not the fees would be paid. She said there is a statute on point that requires that for constitutional officers, but said it was the method in which they would be paid that was in great controversy and remains so today.

Deputy City Manager Hodge then came forward and went into some details in explaining these matters. She said there are two budget amendments for FY-15 and two for FY-16. She said the two for FY-15 that are for the Sheriff is in the amount of $207,613.85; and for the Clerk of Superior Court is in the amount of $147,304.04. She said for FY-16 for the Sheriff’s case is $25,196.84 and for the Clerk of Superior Court is $9,867.00.

She said these are budget amendments for fiscal year 15 and fiscal year 16 and said that they are to appropriate monies needed for attorneys that were hired by the Sheriff on his behalf to represent him or the Clerk of Superior Court in litigation against the City. She said these are not recommended or approved vendors of the City, so under these circumstances typically the payments are made out of the constitutional officers’ budget. She said over the objection of the City, the court has ordered that these attorney fees come from the general fund and not from the constitutional officers’ budget. She said of the general fund, in that context does not exist, so there is no pool of money labeled general fund, in order to make payments from; therefore, they are recommending that these expenses be classified as a claim in judgment and be funded from the reserve for claims/judgments.

Ms. Hodge said this is separate from the unassigned fund balance and said it is a reserve for claims/judgments and said this budget amendment would appropriate funds from that reserve to pay for these attorney fees that has been ordered by the court.

Deputy City Manager Hodge and City Attorney Fay then responded to questions of members of the Council as to exactly where these funds will come from. Mayor Tomlinson also responded to questions of members of the Council, as well.

City Attorney Fay said these ordinances will be back before the Council in two weeks for their vote.

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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session after the adjournment of today’s meeting, to discussion real estate acquisition and disposal.
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MR. SAMI SAIYED, REPRESENTING A-1 COIN LAUNDRY, RE: FLOODING ISSUES:_________________________________

Mr. Sami Saiyed, came forward and pointed out that he is here today representing A1 Coin Laundry, and to talk about the flooding issues that they have been having at his place of business. He said they run the Laundromat on the corner for some time now. He said when it rains hard, all the water gushes in from the street and comes into the business and floods it. He said someone called him from the City and said she will be coming out to the business on today to inspect it and see what the issue is regarding this matter.
He said one of the reasons he was really worried about putting this issue on the agenda is because the water gets so high and many times the cars are halfway through when the cars are parked on the street. He said there are also kids who come into the Laundromat and said that there are folks who don’t listen. He said the water gets so deep and said there is a drainage hole located where it floods and said you really can’t see the drainage. He said it is a liability for the business, as well as the City because when folks go out of the business to get into their cars, they can’t see the drain and possibly get in the hole.

Mr. Saiyed said he really has a sincere concern about the people and pedestrians who comes into the business. He said it is really hurting his business for people to be worried about parking their cars, and the water coming into the business as well as the safety issue. He said they have been trying to talk to the land owner for some time now, but he hasn’t step up and done anything; therefore, he had to come to the Council to put this on agenda, for the Council to put this on record that he was here and it is a concerned issue for the City.

Mayor Tomlinson then asked Mr. Saiyed what is the address of the business? Mr. Saiyed said the business is located at 4301 Holly Avenue. Mayor Tomlinson told Mr. Saiyed that we would have someone to come out and take a look at the issue. She said if there is any action that needs to be taken, they will let us know about that.

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MR. ROBERT A. HUTCHINSON, RE: GOLF COURSE BUDGETS:

Mr. Robert A. Hutchinson, 6216 Bayonne Drive came forward and made some comments regarding the Golf Course Budgets. He said there was an article in the Ledger Enquirer on July 19, 2015 was a must read for everyone on this Council. He said it is absolutely accurate as to what was going on at the time, and what promises were made at the time and what acknowledgements were made at the time. He said Bull Creek was recognized as one of the Best Golf Courses in the Country and said we have forgotten about it. He said he really appreciates Councilor Henderson pointing it out in this article and reminding us of about what a good golf course it is and what a great asset it is for this community, as well as how important it is to keep it up.

He said he was involved with the creation of Oxbow Creek and the program down there, and said he met with Mr. Bishop about five of six times at the Old Parks & Recreation Building at Golden Park. He said he had an idea of a tribute golf course. He said since it was going to be 9-holes and since it was going to be hard to make money, he picked out 9 of the most famous holes in golf, to include the 18th hole at the old course at St. Andrews, the 16th hole at Augusta National, the 7th hole at Pebble Beach, and put together a tribute court so that when you played it, you will be playing something very interesting and playing holes that you will never get to play in real life.

Mr. Hutchinson said he brought the idea to the Council and was asked how many golf course has he designed, which of course, said none. He said he was told that the people in Atlanta that was doing it, was doing. He said he told them that the course was not going to make money, but would lose money every single year. He said the City Manager and everybody else said they know, and said that they were going to subsidize it. He said they told him that they made a promise to the South Columbus community when we took Victory Drive away from them and built the softball, we made a commitment to them and said we are going to keep it.

He said he really appreciates the people who have the memory that we have to do that because there are some people who don’t believe that you really mean the commitments that you make, but said he is one who do believe.

After Robert Hutchinson made his presentation to Council with the concept of having each one of the 9 holes at the golf course should be replicas of famous holes at various prestigious courses throughout the country, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a referral that these recommendations to be sent to the Golf Authority for their consideration.

Councilor Woodson also asked for information on possible companies and organizations that may be interested in helping to fund this project, if agreed to by the Golf Course Authority.

City Manager Hugley said that he thinks that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh’s referral to send this recommendation to the Bull Creek Golf Course Authority to have them provide feedback is the first step. He said if they are interested in that, he would hope that members of the Golf Course would then be the one who can approach companies and begin to move that forward.
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THE FOLLOWING 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 WOODSON WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND BUCK BEING
ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:______________________________________________________
A Resolution (251-15) – Declaring that there is a need and necessity to immediately acquire easements and lands under the provision of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the acquisition of said easements and lands for county road and/or municipal street purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said easements and lands under the authority of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1, et. Seq.
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A Resolution (252-15) – Declaring that there is a need and necessity to immediately acquire easements to lands under the provision of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the acquisition of said easements for county road and/or municipal street purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said easements under the authority of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1, et. Seq.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: A Resolution (253-15) – Declaring that there is a need and necessity to immediately acquire easements to lands under the provision of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the acquisition of said easements for county road and/or municipal street purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said easements under the authority of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1, et. Seq.

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, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (254-15) - Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Reggie Automotive to lease the building located at 450 Brennan Road for $308 per month for a period of one (1) year.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (255-15) – Authorizing the acquisition of property located at 1030 Fort Benning Road, Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.

City Manager Hugley, in response to Councilor Thomas, said the City owns 40+ or minus acres near Fort Benning Road and Old Cusseta Road, which is in the area behind or near the area of the old Ply Mart. He said as you know, the School District is interested in the land swap that we have been talking to them about; and said we would get certain acreage from them that we are able to use for our Spider-web Project. He said when we do the land swap, the entity with a difference, will pay in cash the difference. He said in the middle of our forty acres, there were two parcels of properties that we had been working on for some time now, and this is one of those parcels that are within that 40 acres. He said we couldn’t work the deal, but now we have a chance to purchase that property, with Enterprise Zone funds at the fair market value. He said that will add to our acreage that we will have as we move forward to deal with the land swap with the school district.

He said it is valued at $105,000 and we will pay $105,000 out of Enterprise Zone funds and then once we deal with the School District for what we need, that they own, the difference will settle the difference, but this will go along with the property that the school district is interested in.

After City Manager Hugley gave more details on this acquisition of this property, the question was then called on the motion, to adopt the resolution, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

A Resolution (256-15) – Authorizing the City to accept the donation of various exercise equipment to use at recreation and senior centers from Curves.

Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (257-15) – Authorizing the Mayor's signature on an agreement between the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Columbus Consolidated Government.
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, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO 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 WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND BUCK BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING: _

A Resolution (258-15) – Authorizing payment to ESRI (Redlands, California) in the amount of $40,649.46, for the annual ArcGIS Software Maintenance and License covering the period from November 16, 2015 through November 15, 2016.

A Resolution (259-15) – Authorizing the declaration of the equipment shown on the attached lists as surplus in accordance with Section 7-501 of the Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; additionally approval is requested to declare any items as surplus, which may be added to the list prior to the auction(s). The equipment has either been replaced or placed out of service due to excess maintenance cost.
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FORTSON ROAD & WILLIAMS ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUE:
Councilor Davis asked City Manager Hugley to try to look and expedite some research and look into ways to fix a traffic congestion problem at the intersection of Fortson Road and Williams Road. He said he knows that we have been looking at that, but said it is getting worst. He said he knows that we have talked about it from a preliminary standpoint. He asked City Manager to put that on a priority list to try to find a way to solve that.

City Manager Hugley said he will put that on a list and take a look at it and he will let you know what a timeline would be with dealing with the matter. He said he would follow-up with you directly or would have the Deputy City Manager to follow-up with you.
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THE FOLL0WING PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES WERE PROVIDED ON THE CITY
MANAGER’S AGENDA:_____ _

Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward and said we came to the Council back in February and awarded an RFP for the Claflin renovations and said what we want to do today is to give you an update as to what has happened within the last six months. She said Reverend Richard Jessie, with the Friends of Claflin are also here today and will give you an update as to what they have been working on.

Ms. Laura McCool, Community Reinvestment Division Manager came forward and provided the Council with an update on the Claflin Building, which is outlined below.

WHAT WAS PRESENTED TO COUNCIL Friends of Claflin, Inc. were to stabilize and secure the building and maintain landscape of the building during lease period

Timeline
Updates
Marketing Campaigns After the conclusion of her presentation, Community Reinvestment Manager Laura McCool, and City Manager Hugley then responded to questions of members of the Council. He said not all of the buildings on the property have declared historic.

City Manager Hugley said the clock is running and because we are working the agreement that we presented to you on the phases that you approved and said when we get to that point when the time is near or has ran out, we will be coming back to you, if they are not on tract, to proceed with a recommended option. He said we will constantly provide you with updates along the course of the way, so that we can answer any questions that you have along the course of the way. He said the timeline we provided to you, the various phases that we presented to you, that you approved to allow us to move forward with Friends of Claflin, said we don’t have a choice but to hold them to it. He said that’s what it will be until they come to you and request an extension or something different.

Councilor Woodson said she wanted to know where the Friends of Claflin with their non-profit application is. She said that is a big and important part of the process. She said once they have their non-profits they are able to raise money for that purpose. She said sometimes it takes a little while before the non-profit status is approved; and said sometimes you may have to partner with another non-profit to accomplish something until yours is completed. She said she thinks that is the issue that they are running into, by not having their non-profit status.

Mr. Richard Jessie, of the Friends of Claflin then came forward and introduced some of their board members, who was present with him this morning, to include Col. Retired John House, President, Ms. Teresa Hart Williams, Secretary, Mr. Larry Ware, Assistant Treasure, Ms. Jonnell Minefee, Sustainability Chairperson, and Ms. Natasha David Walker, Fundraising/Grant Writer.

He then pointed out that they have been waiting for lease agreement from the City since February and said they received the first draft until the first of last month. He said they took the time to review that lease agreement and said there are couple of items in there that they need to get clarified.

Mr. Jessie said they had a meeting with the Assistant City Manager and the City Attorney; and said there are two provisions in the lease where they are being required to have the specifications for restoration, which could be at a $500,000 price tag. He said in that meeting they had representatives from 2WR, their architects who had worked with the attorney on the lease agreement, and they had worked out an agreement where they would not be required to have that high price tag in order to do a lease agreement. He said the other item was the insurance; and said they are prepared to get insurance once they get two other estimates. He said they currently have one estimate. He said they understand that they need to have insurance on the building and they have talked with individuals in this community who can help us with that.

He said they have been careful not to ask for monies for Claflin until they had a clear understanding of the agreement that they will have with the City.

Councilor Woodson then asked Mr. Jessie where they are with their non-profit status application, to which Mr. Jessie pointed out that they applied for their non-profit status in May and they have already received from the IRS a timetable as to when they might receive their status of one or two categories. Councilor Woodson then asked Mr. Jessie if they have considered partnering with another non-profit organization, similar to what you are trying to do, so that you can behind to start raising funds.

Mr. Jessie said until they get a formal lease agreement with the City, there are a lot of things that they can’t do. He said they cannot secure the building until they get a lease agreement, and said as he stated earlier, they just received a draft lease agreement on last month.

Mr. Jessie continued to express his concerns regarding the lease agreement with the City. He also outlined some of the other things that they need to do, but said they can’t do anything until they receive a lease agreement.

At the request of City Manager Hugley, Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward and spoke to the issue of why there is no lease agreement with the Friends of Claflin and the City. She said that they had been working with Reverend Jessie and his group, and said originally we started out with a lease agreement; however, now, we have offered to do just a right of entry, to allow them to go into the building without having to sign a whole harmless every time and come and pick up keys so that they are able to go into the building. She said what they are requiring is that they have insurance, and said until they can produce the insurance, we don’t feel that it is a good idea to move forward with a right of entry or a lease agreement. She said we have had numerous meetings with them and said the insurance is really what they are waiting on in order to execute the right of entry. She said to execute the lease agreement, they would need preliminary plans so they are aware as to what are going on in the building, as well as the insurance. City Manager Hugley said after this meeting, he will provide to Mr. Jessie everything that they need and he can then provide them a timeline.

Discussion continued on this subject, with City Manager Hugley responding to those further concerns of Mr. Jessie, as well as responding to questions of members of the Council.

Mayor Tomlinson also made comments regarding this matter, encouraging Mr. Jessie to make contact with the proper authorities to check on their non-profit status, after which the discussion was then concluded.

*** *** ***

DIRECTOR REATHER HOLLOWELL,_DROP PLAN PRESENTATION:

Human Resources Director Ms. Reather Hollowell came forward and pointed out to the Council, they
came before this Council about a month ago to talk with you about the DROP in which the City
implemented in 20012, as a part of Pension Reform and said we had some options for you to consider and
said she just wanted to refresh your memory; and then providing the following information as follows:

DROP Summary
DROP- For Long Term Employees
AgeYears of Service
5830
5535

DROP Participants
General GovernmentPublic SafetyTotal Count
122537

DROP Participants- Pay Increases
Council Approves COLAs DROP Participant
Example .50% COLA
ActiveDROP Participant
.50%.25%
$60,000 Annual Pay$3,000.00 Monthly Benefit
Year 1$60,300 Annual Pay$3,007.50 Monthly Benefit
Year 2$60,602 Annual Pay$3,015.00 Monthly Benefit
Year 3$60,905$3,023.00 Monthly Benefit
Difference$905$23
Vacation/Holiday Pay Impacted
DROP Participant
Example 3% COLA
ActiveDROP Participant
3%1.5%
$60,000 Annual Pay$3,000.00 Monthly Benefit
Year 1 $61,800 Annual Pay$3,045.00 Monthly Benefit
Year 2$63,654 Annual Pay$3,091.00 Monthly Benefit
Year 3$65,564 Annual Pay$3,137.00 Monthly Benefit
Difference$5,564$137
Vacation/Holiday Pay Impacted
Other Cities & States with DROP Programs
Pay Increases
DROP Options Director Hollowell said the City Attorney’s office has drafted ordinances where either or could be incorporated. She said you select Option One where DROP Participants receive Retiree COLA Only or select Two and allow the DROP Participants to receive both Retiree COLA and Active Employee COLA.

After the conclusion of her presentation, Director Hollowell responded to questions of members of the
Council.

During the discussion, Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge stated in order for the active employees to
receive the COLAs in their active pay from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 would require a $14,000
budget amendment. In response to a question asked by Councilor Woodson, she stated that this expense
would have to come from Fund Balance.

After Ms. Reather Hollowell concluded her presentation on the DROP Plan, to include information as it pertains to COLA’s allotted to those employees who are participating in the plan. During the discussion, Councilor Thomas made a request for the City Manager to present an Ordinance to Council that would allow those employees to receive any COLA’s given to active employees, as well as those increases given to retired employees.
*** *** ***

PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER:

Ms. Reather Hollowell, Director of Human Resources came forward to provide Council with an
update on the Pharmacy Benefit Manager.

*** *** ***

SPIDERWEB UPDATE:

Project Description:
The project will include road realignments and/or a possible overpass on Buena Vista Road

Projected Costs: $40,000,000
• PE – $ 2,522,522
• ROW - $ 8,649,648
• CST - $ 25,225,225
• UTL - $ 3,603,605

Status:
• Initial concept was to construct the roadway under the railroad

• GDOT authorized preliminary engineering to begin in late 2014 Spider Web Area

• Construction will not be authorized by GDOT until 2016

Status:
• Engineering consultants were given the notice to proceed by the City
• Preliminary engineering was begun with a survey of the area, including testing for underground water
• Initial results for underground water showed a water table of approximately 20 to 25 feet where the underpass was to be located
• Project stopped until consultants could find a suitable alternate
Addition
*** *** ***
FRANK MARTIN PEDSTRIAIN BRIDGE
Restroom Operations
*** *** ***

VANDALISM OF CITY FACILITIES:

After Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge gave a presentation to Council on the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge Restrooms. During the presentation there were pictures included that depicted the vandalism that often occurs at many of the City’s facilities. A request was made for the staff to evaluate the possibility of setting up a vandalism fund, that could fund the installation of cameras or to pay a reward to citizens that call authorities to report vandalisms that occur. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
------------------------------------------------------*** *** ***--------------------------------------------------- CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION TO THE MAY AND COUNCIL CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA: ___

(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control Advisory Board.

(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor.

(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center.

(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Hospital Authority of Columbus.

(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Housing Authority of Columbus.

(6) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Land Bank Authority.

(7) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Uptown Façade Board.

(8) Biographical sketch of Ms. Elizabeth Raines Cook, Mayor Tomlinson’s nominee for the Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees.

(9) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close 11th Street, from Front Avenue to 1st Avenue, Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in connection with Uptown Bikes on Broadway.

(10) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close the 1000 block of Broadway on Saturday, September 11, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the 1100 block of Broadway on Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in connection with the Uptown Bikes on Broadway.

(11) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close the 1100 block of Broadway on Saturday, September 12, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in connection with the Uptown Drum Circle.

(12) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close the 1000 block of Broadway from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with the Uptown Fall Concert Series on the following Saturdays:
(13) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge on Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, in connection with the Historic Columbus Riverwalk Fundraiser.

(14) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close TSYS Way, on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from 6:30 a.m. to noon, in connection with the Run for the Valley 5K/10K.

(15) Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close 9th Street, from 3rd Avenue to Veterans Parkway, and 3rd Avenue, from 8th Street to 9th Street, on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in connection with the Uptown PTAP Transportation Playground Fundraiser.

(16) Application of Greater Beallwood Baptist Church to temporarily close 44th Street, from 16th Avenue to Sherwood Avenue, on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in connection with the Outdoor Church Picnic.

(17) Application of Mitch Watts to temporarily close 3rd Avenue, from 11th Street to the exit of St. Luke parking area on 12th Street, on Sunday, October 25, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in connection with the St. Luke United Methodist Church Fall Festival.
*** *** ***

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BAKER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND BUCK BEING ABSENT FROM
THIS MEETING: _
A Resolution (249-15) – Excusing Councilor Jerry Barnes from the
September 8, 2015 Council Meeting.

A Resolution (249-15) – Excusing Councilor Tom Buck from the September 8, 2015 Council Meeting.

*** *** ***

THE FOLLOWINGS ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND BUCK BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:________ _ _____________________

Email correspondence from Ms. Simi Barnes, resigning from her seat on the Region 6 Advisory Council.

Email correspondence from Ms. Amanda Dutton, Administrative Assistant to Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge, regarding the passing of Mr. Morton Harris, who served on the Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees.
*** *** ***

MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

*** *** ***

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

BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:


James Larry Dixon (Councilor Huff’s nominee)
(Gail Kent) SD-29
Resigned
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:


____________________________
(Nicole de Vries) SD-15
Resigned
District 7
(Council’s Apptmt.)
*** *** ***

TAXICAB COMMISSION:


__________________________
(Jodi Sears) SD-29
Seat Vacant
Hotel/Motel Industry
(Council’s Apptmt.)


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

*** *** ***

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss a Real Estate matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting.

At 11:42 a.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive session. At 12:06 p.m., the meeting was reconvened.
*** *** ***

With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Buck being absent from the meeting, with the time being 12:07 p.m.




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