MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
JUNE 17, 2014

A Special Called Meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:05 A.M, Tuesday, June 17, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis and Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the table at 9:10 a.m.
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ABSENT: Mayor Teresa Tomlinson, Councilors R. Gary Allen and Jerry Barnes were absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent. Councilor Barnes was excused upon the adoption of Resolution No. 202-14, respectively.
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INVOCATION: Led by Chaplain Mark Burnett – Columbus Fire/EMS
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Fourth Street Day Care.

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MAYOR’S AGENDA:

TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
9:00 a.m. The budget tentatively adopted by the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia Law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this increase.

After no one came forward to speak on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights public hearing, City Attorney Fay declared the public hearing as concluded. He then added that this was the last of three public hearings on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights; the ordinance is also listed on First Reading today.

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NOTE: See below the continuation of the City Attorney’s Agenda.

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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UPON AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:

A Resolution (196-14) - Authorization is requested to enter into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to accept a High Priority Project (HPP) grant for $195,088.80 with a 20% local match of $48,772.80 for total grant amount of $243,861.60. Authorization is also being requested to accept a $10,000 grant from Uptown Columbus for this project, which will leave a remaining balance of $38,772.20 for construction of restrooms on the RiverWalk under the Martin Memorial Bridge.

After Councilor McDaniel made comments in support of this resolution and asked that the restrooms be locked after events if this ordinance passes, he then made a motion for its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson. City Manager Hugley clarified that the restrooms would be locked at night at the request of Council. The motion then carried by a vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker, Davis, Henderson, Huff, McDaniel and Woodson voting yes and Councilor Thomas voting no.

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CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA CONTINUED:

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2014 WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING: _____ _______ __

An ordinance (14-22) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2014 beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for various activities; and for other purposes.

Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh clarified that even though she is presiding over the meeting today, she is a member of Council; therefore, she is eligible to vote on the agenda items. City Attorney Fay said that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is still a member of Council for voting purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT CLASSIFICATION AND PAY PLAN WITH THE CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AS SUBMITTED AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING:

An ordinance (14-23) - Adopting changes to the Columbus Consolidated Government Classification and Pay Plan by defining two experience-based step classifications within Pay Grade 21 for Official Superior Court Reporters on the effective date of this ordinance; authorizing up to $10,000.00 in transcript page charges per fiscal year when authorized by a Superior Court Judge; adopting Policies and Procedures for Court Reporters; and for other purposes.

Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE OF ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND RESULTED IN AN
INCONCLUSIVE VOTE FOR ACTION ON SECOND READING:

An Ordinance - Amending Article XI of Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to redefine the position of executive director of the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission so as to make it a position of Division Chief in the Department of Public Works; and for other purposes.

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

Councilor Davis requested that the Council explore this more and look at the overall program and where the city is going with it in a worksession. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recalled that we have had discussions on this matter.

Councilor Woodson suggested that a meeting with Keep Columbus Beautiful, City Manager Hugley and Public Works Director Biegler be held with Councilor Davis at the Recycling Center, because this change would be a savings to the City and this matter has been discussed a lot.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE APPROVED ON SECOND READING:

An Ordinance (14-24) - Abolishing the position of Chief Deputy Clerk/Bookkeeper in Muscogee County Probate Court; authorizing the creation of the Chief Clerk/License Supervisor in the Muscogee County Probate Court at Pay Grade 16; and authorizing the creation of an additional Deputy Clerk for the Muscogee County Probate Court at Pay Grade 12; and for other purposes. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

An Ordinance (14-25) - Adopting an operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

An Ordinance (14-26) - Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING:

An Ordinance (14-27) – Rezoning property located at 4400 South Stadium Drive, from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District. (Edgar Hughston, owner) (REZN-4-14-0686) The purpose of the rezoning is for Multifamily Apartments. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE APPROVED ON SECOND READING:

An Ordinance (14-28) - Amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) so as to remove condo dwellings as a permitted use in the HIST (Historic) Zoning District. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried by a vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker, Davis, Henderson, Huff, Thomas and Woodson voting yes; Councilor McDaniel voting no and Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.

An Ordinance (14-29) - Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by increasing the monthly residential garbage fee; updating the guidelines for an offset to the residential rate for low-income households; and for other purposes. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried by a vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker, Davis, Henderson, Huff, Thomas and Woodson voting yes; Councilor McDaniel voting no and Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.

An Ordinance (14-30) - Amending Sections 5-9 (G) and (H) of the Columbus Code so as to increase registration costs for all domestic dogs and cats in Muscogee County; to allow for an increase in the handling cost licensed veterinarians can charge for the handling of these registrations; to establish a fee for euthanasia services provided for county or municipal agencies from outside of Muscogee County; providing an effective date of July 1, 2014; and for other purposes. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DEFEATED 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. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and was defeated by a vote of six to two with Councilors Baker, Davis, Henderson, Huff, McDaniel and Thomas voting no; Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Woodson voting yes and Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED:

An Ordinance - Providing for the establishment of taxing districts, including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such districts for the year 2014 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for Other purposes.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recalled that there were a lot of five to two votes during the budget review session. She explained the Council had a consensus that once the digest is almost set in August, we would bring those matters back up from the Add/Delete List before we bring forth any other matters.


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An Ordinance - Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.

An Ordinance - Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia General Government Employees’ Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014.

An Ordinance - Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014. An Ordinance - Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014.

An Ordinance - Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:

MR. REGINALD RADNEY, RE: A COMMUNITY JUSTICE ISSUE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE CITIZENS OF COLUMBUS:

Mr. Reginald Radney, appeared before the members of Council to discuss the disparities in justice, economics, political makeup, educational makeup, policing and law enforcement and employment. He said the system is culturally divided. He then spoke of his personal losses and requested re-compensation due to an injustice and would ask to be made whole. He said that he would provide some additional information with regards to his personal losses through social injustices in the way of policing and the judicial processes.

Councilor Woodson said that she would set up a meeting with Mr. Radney to discuss some of his concerns and issues.

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CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:

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

A Resolution (197-14) - Authorizing a request to declare property located at 807 Washington Avenue, 817 Washington Avenue, 2607 Buena Vista Road, 2601 Buena Vista Road, 2612 Baldwin Street and 2620 Baldwin Street as surplus, advertise and sell said property in accordance with City Code Section 7.501 in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. Councilor Davis moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR DAVIS, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN AND BARNES BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:

A Resolution (198-14) - Authorizing the execution of a construction contract with Southeast Electrical Contractors, Inc. (Phenix City, Al) in the amount of $57,921.00 for the Double Churches tennis court lighting project.

A Resolution (199-14) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract for tree maintenance services from Asplundh Tree Expert Company (Willow Grove, Pa) for the estimated annual contract value of $25,000.00. The estimated annual contract amount is based on the previous contract usage.
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FINANCE MONTHLY REPORT:

Finance Director Hodge came forward to present the finance monthly report for the month of May 2014. She shared that the monies collected in OLOST is $28.3 million, which is up 1.32% from this time last year. She then outlined the funds as follows:

General Fund- up 3.23%
OLOST Fund- up 1.21%
Stormwater Fund- up 1.18%
Paving Fund- up 1.14%
Medical Center Fund- up 0.98%
Integrated Waste Fund- up 2.82%
Emergency Telephone Fund- up 8.98%
Economic Development Authority Fund- up 63.23%
Debt Service Fund- down (5.41%)
Transportation Fund- down (0.50%)
Parking Management Fund- down (13.57%)
Trade Center Fund- up 19.51
Bull Creek Golf Course Fund- down (12.90%)
Oxbow Creek Golf Course Fund- down (13.35%)
Civic Center Fund- down (5.42%)

She maintained that the Health Insurance Fund has collected $19.4 million with expenditures at $25.3 million that leaves a negative fund of $5.8 million. She recalled the Administration has been discussing this with the Council for months and that changes have been approved in the FY15 budget; however, we still need to manage this deficit in the FY14 budget.

She then explained the funds in the TSPLOST and Discretionary Funds. She pointed out that the only project that has been approved out of the Discretionary Fund is the Boxwood Boulevard bridge replacement in the amount of $680,000.
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REFERRALS:

PARKING SPACES:

Councilor Woodson requested the Administration address parking issues on 8th Street. She said she received emails that the parking spaces are not identifiable in the area of Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant. City Manager Hugley explained that it is an enforcement issue, but a meeting has been scheduled to look into the parking problems.
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RECYCLING CENTER:

Councilor Davis requested the Administration address the overall objective of the Recycling Center to include a revenue expenditure account on the operation and any recommendations projected out three to five years.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL:

Councilor Thomas requested that the matter of the Keep Columbus Beautiful Executive Director being transferred to an employee be brought back in August to determine the funding from the digest.

City Manager Hugley requested some direction on this matter, because it had been mentioned earlier that the ordinance would be brought back at the next business meeting.

Councilor Henderson requested the staff review integrating the two without taking the Executive Director on as an employee and include the financial implication of each scenario with the money transferring and the obligation going from the general fund to the integrated waste. He pointed out that there would an additional $40,000 minus some minimal upkeep from the building that we would no longer have.

Councilor Henderson then made a motion to delay the Keep Columbus Beautiful ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

City Manager Hugley maintained that the discussions would be held at the July worksession, and the ordinance could be brought back after that for the meeting in August.


Councilor Woodson requested that staff gather all of the information requested today and have it sent to each member of Council prior to the worksession.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA:

DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEM AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ______ ______________________________________ ____

(1) Letter from Commander John W. Wilder requesting Columbus, Georgia become a “Purple Heart City”.

(2) Application of Andrew McBride II to temporarily close Radcliff Avenue, from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Willow Street, on Friday, June 13, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in connection with the Nazareth Baptist Church “Vacation Bible School”.

(3) Application of Jasmin Crosby to temporarily close Adair Avenue, from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Adair Court, on Friday, June 20, 2014, from 12:00 p.m. to midnight, in connection with a Business Party.

(4) Application of Yolanda Parkman to temporarily close Bernard
Drive, from Mellon Street to Harold Street, on Saturday. June 21, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, in connection with a Family Birthday Party.

(5) Application of Thomas Hill to temporarily close 51st Street,
from Woodruff Road to 23rd Avenue, on Friday, July 4, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with the “4th of July Neighborhood Block Party”.

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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN AND BARNES BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING: ____

A Resolution (200-14) - Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the May 27, 2014 Council Meeting.

A Resolution (201-14) - Excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the June 10, 2014 Council Meeting.

A Resolution (202-14) - Excusing Councilor Jerry Barnes from the June 17, 2014 Council Meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:_____ ___ ___

Letter from Ms. Chris Henson, resigning from her seat on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. Councilor Woodson moved that the resignation letter be received with regrets and thanks for service. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need nominees for Mr. Chuck H. McDaniel, III- Council District Five and Ms. Gloria Enfinger- Council District Six. There were no nominations.

She advised that Councilor Thomas is nominating Mr. Colin Martin to replace Ms. Claudya Muller- Council District Nine representative. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

She also pointed out that we need a nominee for Ms. Clementine Cochran- Council District Ten. There was no further nomination.

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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised Council that there are two nominees for the seat of Dick Ellis, who is not eligible to succeed himself on the Development Authority of Columbus. She stated that Councilor Davis has nominated Ms. Jacki Lowe and Councilor Woodson has nominated Ms. Becca Hardin. A roll call vote resulted in a five to three inconclusive vote for action with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker, Huff, McDaniel and Woodson voting for Ms. Hardin and Councilors Davis, Henderson and Thomas voting for Ms. Lowe. This matter would be brought forth at the next business meeting.
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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Lyndon Burch has resigned from his seat on the Recreation Advisory Board; this is Councilor Huff’s nominee. There were no nominations.
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THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Dr. Ronald Hudson has resigned from his position on The Medical Center Hospital Authority; therefore three nominees should be submitted to the authority for the authority to select a replacement. There were no nominations.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the following district representative nominees were ready for confirmation. The motion and vote are as follows:

Councilor Henderson moved the appointment of the nominees of District 3, 8 & 9 of the Youth Advisory Council. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting.

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis then suggested deferring the confirmation of the Council District One representative.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor Baker made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from this meeting with the time being 10:15 a.m.



Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia