MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 13, 2014

The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:10 A.M., Tuesday, May 13, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor, and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.

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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh were Councilors, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel was absent. Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was also absent.

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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Grace Burton-Edwards of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

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PLEDGE: Led by Midland Academy

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MAYOR’S AGENDA:

CRIME PREVENTION GRANT:

APPROVAL IS REQUESTED FOR A CRIME PREVENTION GRANT AS FOLLOWS:______________

Mr. Seth Brown, Director Crime Prevention Program came forward and explained the following grant to the Mayor and Council:

A Resolution (149-14) - Authorizing the extension of the contract with the Columbus Police Department, dare to be great program.

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 at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the March 11, March 18, March 25, and March 28, 2014 Council Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:


THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE OF ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INCONCLUSIVE ON SECOND READING: ______

An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to increase the number of directors of the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia from seven to nine; and for other purposes.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and was an inconclusive vote for action with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Barnes, Huff and Woodson voting yes and Councilors Allen, Baker, Davis, Henderson and Thomas voting no, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

City Attorney Fay advised that this item would be brought back before the Council on May 27, 2014.

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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An Ordinance - Property located at 1532 and 1544 Benning Drive; 3551 Victory Drive; 3512 Levy Drive is proposed for rezoning from RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2) to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. (Housing Authority/Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia, owner) (REZN-3-14-0584) (District 3–Councilor Huff) The purpose of the rezoning is for general restaurant, general retail, grocery or food store, business and professional office. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.

PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS

Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and said this property is a combination of city owned property and the property owned by the Housing Authority. He said we are rezoning it as a group, which would allow us the ability to market this property either individually or collectively to an economic development prospect. He said the zoning was one of the areas that were in place that we felt we could go ahead and eliminate. He said it is consistent with the surrounding zoning on Victory Drive and we felt that zoning the property for General Commercial would provide us with the best opportunity to get this property turned around and put back on the tax rolls in a productive use.

Councilor Thomas asked what is the requirement for the selling of alcohol in distance to a school.
City Attorney Fay said the general rule is for a packaged liquor sale, the business has to be at least 600ft away from a school and for restaurants with on premises sales the requirement is to be at least 300ft away. He said it depends on what type entity is applying as well as the date that they apply.

City Attorney Fay advised that this item will be brought back for a vote in two weeks on second reading.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An Ordinance - Property located at the northeast portion of 6087 Technology Parkway is proposed for rezoning from HMI (Heavy Manufacturing Industrial) to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District. (Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia, owner) (REZN-3-14-0607) (District 6–Councilor Allen) The purpose of the rezoning is for a business/professional office (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia). The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend conditional approval.

PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS

Deputy City Manager Arrington came forward and said this is a project that was negotiated by the Development Authority to locate the Blue Cross Blue Shield facility. He said the property will remain in the ownership of the Development Authority but we felt it would be proper to go ahead and have it properly zoned for the purpose that it will be used. He said the condition that is on there is a condition relating to parking, which accommodates the needs for the facility. He said it is the intent of the Planning Department and the Development Authority to work together to create a new zoning classification for the entire Muscogee Technology Park that will allow for this type of use and industrial use.

City Attorney Fay advised that this item will be brought back for a vote in two weeks on second reading.


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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An Ordinance - Property located at 304 and 3701 South Lumpkin Road and two other unknown addresses, are proposed for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial/HMI (Heavy Manufacturing Industrial/GC (General Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. (City of Columbus, Georgia, owner) (REZN-3-14-0608) (District 7–Councilor Woodson) The purpose of the rezoning is for a cultural facility (Historic Westville). The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend conditional approval.

PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS

The petitioner was present, but did not make a presentation as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.

Deputy City Manager Arrington came forward and said this rezoning is one of the elements of the agreement that the Council approved between the City and Westville to relocate the Westville historic properties to Columbus. He said we were to rezone the property for the proposed use; most of the properties that are within our agreement are already zoned General Commercial, however these properties were not. He advised that a portion of the property, primarily the Orchard Grove Trailer Park property, will be conveyed to Westville with a reversionary clause. He said the balance of the property will be used for the development of a camping and RV site and the southern portion of the property will be a public recreation area that will be managed by Westville on behalf of the City.

City Attorney Fay advised that this item will be brought back for a vote in two weeks on second reading.

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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE UDO WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An Ordinance - Text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to correct typographical errors and making minor revisions in various chapters. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.

Mr. Will Johnson came forward and explained in detail each of the proposed amendments as listed in the ordinance.

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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE UDO WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An Ordinance - Text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) so as to revise provisions dealing with access to secondary uses for retail sales and personal services. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.

PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS

Mr. Warren Mason came forward and said the verbiage of this ordinance has been worked out in conjunction of our team working with Inspections and Codes specifically to the Grand Reserve Apartments project.

City Attorney Fay said this item will be brought back for a vote on May 27th at 5:30 p.m.

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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING: An ordinance - Amending Chapter 2 so as to provide that former mayors, former councilors, or any former elected official whose district or jurisdiction included Columbus, Georgia may serve on the Board of Honor; and for other purposes.

With there being no discussion, City Attorney Fay advised that this item would be brought back for a vote in two weeks.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 so as to provide that segments of the Columbus RiverWalk may be named in honor of living individuals; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

An ordinance amending Chapter 13 so as to amend regulations pertaining to solid waste; prohibiting plastic bags for disposal of yard waste; providing container specifications; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:__________

A Resolution (150-14) - Concerning the issuance of revenue bonds by the Downtown Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia for the Benefit of CGC, LLC

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVEDBY THE COUNCIL:__________

A Resolution (151-14) - Authorizing the issuance of $32,995,000 Columbus, Georgia Water and Sewerage Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A; to authorize the Mayor and other officials of Columbus to take such further actions as are necessary to provide for the sale, issuance and delivery of such bonds for the purpose of refunding certain Series 2005 Bonds as defined herein and for financing certain additions, extensions and improvements to the system as defined herein; to ratify the execution and delivery of a Bond Purchase Agreement relating to the sale of such bonds; and for other purposes.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.


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EXECUTIVE SESSION:

City Attorney Fay said he would like to have an executive session at the end of tonight’s meeting to discuss some litigation matters.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:

COMMUNITY AND HER FAMILY, RE: OBESITY, HELPING THE ELDERLY, TRAFFIC TICKET AND DOMESTIC TERRORISM._________

Ms. Annette Walker Goggins did not respond when called upon to address the Council.




MS. DORTHY HARRIS & MS. BETTY SHAW, REPRESENTING AARP, RE: A PRESENTATION.____________________________________________

Ms. Dorthy Harris did not respond when called upon to address the Council.

MINISTRIES, RE: PRAYER IS KEY.
RE: DRAINAGE PROBLEMS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Mr. Karl Moss came forward and advised the Council of an existing drainage problem in his neighborhood. He advised that one of the neighbors has a developed a sinkhole in their yard due to this drainage problem. He indicated the water that runs underneath his house has caused extensive damage. He then requested that Council help find the company that constructed the neighborhood and also help find a solution for the drainage issue.

City Manager Isaiah Hugley responded by saying he spoke with staff members as they were in route to the Eastwood Drive area. He said he spoke with the Director of Public Works on yesterday and is requesting that she come forward to address this matter.

Director of Public Works Pat Beigler came forward and said unfortunately this is a situation where it is a private property issue, it is not public drainage. She said there is nothing that we can do to assist them in this matter. She said we did double check the ditches in front which are cleaned fairly regular.
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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH
THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED
BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL_____

A Resolution (152-14) - Amending Resolution #1114-14 to include the description of the Temporary Construction Easement for the acquisition of Parcel 136 5768 Forrest Road (map attached) for the Forrest Road Improvement Project Muscogee County totaling 0.01 acres +/- of Right of Way, Temporary Construction Easement totaling 0.01 acres+/-, plus two (2) Drive Way Easement for County Road and/or Municipal Street purposes, and authorizing the filing of the Corrected action for the Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said land under the authority of the official code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1 et.seq for the referenced project.

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 at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for the vote and Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL_ ____


A Resolution (153-14) - Allocating $63,520 of the FY14 Budget-Other Local Option Sales Tax Capital Reserve for the Fire Department for equipment needed for paramedic training to remain in compliance with the Georgia State Office of EMS and accreditation and 3 Low Light Cameras for Fire Investigation

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 Davis being absent for the vote and Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH
THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED
BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL_____
A Resolution (154-14) - Authorizing the city manager to submit an application and, if approved, accept a grant for $2,000 from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Civic Affairs foundation to fund a 2014 summer intern for the human resources department for ten weeks and to amend the multi-governmental fund by the award amount.

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 at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 THOMAS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING ______________

A Resolution (155-14) – Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application and, if awarded, accept a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office to fund the purchase of equipment and equipment upgrades for the Columbus Hazardous Devices Response Team and amend the multi-governmental fund by the amount awarded.

A Resolution (156-14) – Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application and, if awarded, accept a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office to fund the purchase of supplies and equipment for the explosive detection canine program and amend the multi-governmental fund by the amount awarded.

A Resolution (157-14) – Authorizing the city manager to accept a grant for equipment in the amount of $18,456 or as otherwise awarded, from the 2013 homeland security grant program. The equipment received will be utilized by the West Central Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team. This team was formed to improve responses to heavy rescue emergencies to the citizens of Columbus and surrounding counties. Heavy search-and-rescue involves the location, rescue (extrication), and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in confined spaces. Structural collapse is most often the cause of victims being trapped, but victims may also be trapped in transportation accidents, mines and collapsed trenches.


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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL_ ____

A Resolution (158-14) - Authorizing the city to submit an application, and if approved, accept a grant from Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) to fund the “hands in” inclusive therapeutic gardening for adults with autism.

Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL_ ____

A Resolution (159-14) - Authorizing the City Manager to allow human resources to establish positions for temporary drivers for the Public Works Department.

Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.

Councilor Thomas asked Director Pat Biegler how often the drivers call out sick or are on vacation.

Director Beigler said we experience daily short falls. She said we are down six drivers this morning. She said we don’t have backup drivers so this picks away at our capabilities.

Councilor Thomas asked if these positions are established will the drivers become certified.

Director Biegler explained that these drivers would be required to have two days of training and certification. She said they are not armed so they are not required to have the extensive training.

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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING_________

A Resolution (160-14) - Authorizing payment to Georgia Department of Natural Resources for state mandated solid waste disposal fees in the amount of $52,957.28.

A Resolution (161-14) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) gs14 rover survey units from Leica Geosystems, Inc., (Norcross, Ga) in the amount of $28,680.00; and rescind resolution #129-14 which authorized the purchase of one (2) gs14 rover survey units from Leica Geosystems, Inc., (Norcross, Ga) in the amount of $27,608.00.

A Resolution (162-14) - Authorizing the annual contract for veterinarian services with Affordable Veterinary Services LLC, in the amount of $100.00 per hour, not to exceed $1,200 per month, as well as, the provision of drugs and other medical supplies, on an “as needed” basis, for the estimated annual contract value of $22,000.00 per year.

A Resolution (163-14) - Authorizing an annual service contract for wheel alignment and balance services with Tires First, Inc., (Columbus, Ga) for the estimated contract value of $28,000.


A Resolution (164-14) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) pre-fabricated steel building (inland building systems), from Garrison Construction Co., Inc., (Macon, Ga), at a unit price of $31,715.00, plus $13,722.00 for labor/delivery/installation, for a total price of $45,437.00.

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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL:

Councilor Woodson said many years ago when she first came to Council she road on the garbage truck for a day to experience what the employees experience. She said she and former Councilman Nathan Suber brought up the concept of having radios on the trucks in order for the employees to be able to report certain issues. She then asked Director Biegler has it been affective to have the radios on the trucks.

Director Biegler responded in saying we are utilizing the radios for communication, security and also the scheduling of the inmates. She said we have moderate success with the drivers calling in things that are happening on the street.

Councilor Woodson asked Director Biegler to come up with an idea that would allow issues to be reported that may need immediate attention.

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Councilor Barnes said there was a home that was burned down three years ago on Gardiner Dr. He said the house sits between two other houses and it is a safety hazard for the neighbors on both sides. He said the home is also open to the elements and the house looks horrible. He said he spoke to the City Manager about what the procedure would be to get the house demolished. He said there is also another house on Baker Street that has not been burned but is in horrible condition. He said he has received several complaints about this house as well.

Director of Inspections and Code Greg Coates said although he does agree that the house on Baker Street has some property maintenance issues he does not agree that it is in a dilapidated condition. He said as for the home on Gardiner Dr. should be torn down.

Councilor Barnes said his concern is the house on Gardiner Dr. is a safety and environmental hazard and it needs to be torn down. He said the owners of the house on Baker Street should be notified. He then asked the City Manager what needs to be done to care of this issue. He then said he would like to know what the financial impact is for both of the houses to be torn down.

City Manager Hugley said he would get with Deputy City Manager Arrington and Director Coates and take a look at the property in question. He said we will also provide an update on where we are currently with demolitions.
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Councilor Allen said he received an email from a constituent that has been going through a home building process and was able to work with some the staff of Inspections and Code. He said this person became so concerned with the staff and the issues that he did a search online and found that some of the employees have not received their certifications for their specialty in what they are doing. He said Council would like to know what the timeline is for certification for employees that are hired to perform inspections. He then asked if those particular employees are allowed to approve jobs that they inspect during their interim time. He requested that City Manager Hugley provide the Council with a report on every employee in that department and what certification they are required to have and if they have received the certification yet.

City Manager Hugley advised that he would provide the Council with the requested information.
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Councilor Huff said when a new community is built behind an existing community, who is responsible for keep up the space between homeowners.

City Manager Hugley said we maintain right of ways and if there is an easement we would do some limited work.

Councilor Huff requested that one more meeting be held on the TSPLOST Project before the comes before the Council.

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CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:________ ___________________________________________

(1) Summary of the GMA District 8, Spring Listening Session, April 16, 2014.

(2) Resume of Mr. Herman E. Lewis, Jr., recommendation for Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission to fill the seat of Mr. John K. Loomis.

(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. John Adams, Taxicab Owner Representative nominee for the Taxicab Commission.

(4) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Jacki E. Lowe, Councilor Davis’ nominee for the Development Authority of Columbus.

(5) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the Dillingham Street Bridge and Bay Ave, from Dillingham Street to behind the Columbus Trade Center, from Friday, May 9, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. to Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 12:00 a.m., in connection with the Uptown Dragon Boat Festival and Riverfest.

(6) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100 block of Broadway, on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with the Uptown Smoke-off Barbecue Event.

(7) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 black of Broadway, on Sunday, May 25, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with the Run Across Georgia finish line.

(8) Application of Courtney Blackmar to temporarily close Cooper Avenue, from Wynnton Road to 10th Street, and Oakview Avenue, from Cooper Avenue to 10th Street, from Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. to Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 1:00 a.m., in connection with the Annual Heritage Ball at the Wynn House.

(9) Application of Rose Williams to temporarily close 6th Avenue, from 8th Street to 9th Street, on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with the Friendship Baptist Church Vacation Bible School Activity.

(10) Application of Rebecca Wright Harris to temporarily close the Dillingham Street Bridge, from Friday, July 4, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. to July 5, 2014, 12:00 a.m., in connection with the setup and shooting of fireworks for the Bi-city Fireworks Show.

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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED 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 NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING: ____


A Resolution (165-14) - Excusing Councilor Allen from the Tuesday, April 29,
2014 Council Work Session.

A Resolution (166-14) - Excusing Councilor McDaniel from the Tuesday, April
29, 2014 Council Work Session.

A Resolution (167-14) - Excusing Councilor McDaniel from the Tuesday, May
13, 2014 Council Meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL______ __________________ _____________


A Resolution (168-14) - Approving the honorary designation of
Citizens Way as Carson McCullers Way.

Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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ADD-ON:

A Resolution (169-14) – Excusing Councilor Huff from the Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Council Meeting.

Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL______ _________________

Resignation from Dr. Phillip Brewer resigning from his seat on the
Animal Control Advisory Board.

Resignation letter from Mr. Lyndon Burch resigning from his seat on
the Recreation Advisory Board.

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

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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:_ _______________________________
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Chuck McDaniel III is not eligible to succeed himself, Ms. Gloria Enfinger does not wish to serve another term, Ms. Andrea Fanklin is not eligible to succeed herself, Ms. Claudya Muller has resigned and Ms. Clementine Cocharan is not eligible to succeed herself on the Development Authority.

At this time Councilor Woodson nominated Mr. Teddy Reese to fill the seat of Ms. Andrea Franklin. Clerk of Council Washington advised that he may now be confirmed.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion that Ms. Teddy Reese be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS

Clerk of Council Washington advised that there have been two nominees submitted to fill the seat of Mr. Allen Taber.

Councilor Woodson said there have been some concerns regarding conflict of interest as it relates to some of the nominees that she has submitted and asked City Attorney Clifton Fay to explain what would be a conflict of interest in this case.

City Attorney Fay said in general, the conflict of interest rules contained in the Columbus Charter apply to all boards and authorities of the Consolidated Government including the Development Authority. The rules say that no appointed officer or employee shall engage in any business or transaction has financial or other personal interest direct or indirect which is incompatible with a proper discharge of his or her duties, they can’t accept gifts or vote or otherwise participate in a negotiation or the making of a contract with any business or entity in which he or she has a financial interest. He said these rules have been in place all along and every board and authority has to adhere to them. He also advised that the Clerk of Council has received a recent memorandum from his office in which she forwarded to every board and authority so that every chairperson has the rules. He further explained that the City Government is only concerned with the local appointed body. He said the Charter is aiming at the private financial interest of the individual.

Councilor Davis asked the City Attorney if he could bring the Council up to speed on what the regulations are for serving on multiple boards, authorities etc.

City Attorney Fay said there is an ordinance that prohibits service on more than one board and there is also a state law that says an individual cannot hold two county offices simultaneously. He said there are some exceptions to the two term rule.

Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there is a resolution on the books that allows dual service on the Downtown Development Authority, Development Authority and the Board of Water Commissioners. She said there is also an ordinance where an individual can serve on the Board of Honor and the Retire Employees Commission.

City Attorney Fay explained that the rule on the Downtown Development Authority, Development Authority and the Board of Water Commissioners is specifically allowed by State law.

Councilor Henderson said for clarification purposes, he had spoken with the City Attorney regarding one of the nominees. He explained that one of the nominees works for the same organization as his wife works for. He said he intends to vote but wants to get this information on the record.

At this time Clerk of Council pointed out the two nominees to fill the seat of Mr. Allen Taber are Mr. Russ Carreker and Mr. Karl Douglass.

Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson and Huff voted for Mr. Russ Carreker and Councilors Thomas and Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voted for Mr. Karl Douglass.

Councilor Barnes moved that Mr. Russ Carreker be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.

Clerk of Council pointed out the two nominees to fill the seat of Mr. Dick Ellis are Ms. Jackie Lowe and Ms. Becca Hardin.

Councilors Baker, Barnes, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh voted for Ms. Hardin and Councilors Allen, Davis, Huff, Henderson and Thomas voted for Ms. Lowe.

With the vote being inconclusive, Clerk of Council Washington advised that this item will be brought back before Council at a later date.
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HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

Clerk of Council Washington advised that we have not heard from the Columbus Board of Realtors in regards to a replacement for the seat of Ms. Saundra Green.

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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION

Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. John Loomis has resigned his position on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. Councilor Henderson then nominated Mr. Herman Lewis to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Loomis.
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THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY

Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Ronald Hudson has resigned his position on the Medical Center Hospital Authority. She said three nominees will be forwarded to the Authority and they will select a replacement for his seat.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION

Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. John Adams is interested in serving on the Taxicab Commission. Councilor Henderson then nominated Mr. John Adams to fill the unexpired term of Mr. K. Matthew Probst. Clerk of Council Washington said this item will be brought back during the next regular council meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:


Regarding an earlier request by City Attorney Clifton Fay, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to discuss litigation and lease of real estate and property disposal. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.


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At 12:00 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go into an executive session.

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At 12:36 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 litigation, but no action was taken.

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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote, with the time of adjournment being 12:37 p.m.



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