COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – From trash to business signs, Columbus City Council and Mayor Henderson tackled several issues in Tuesday’s work session.
Many topics were discussed in Tuesday’s work session, however, infrastructure updates, political and local business signs policies, and new trash regulations were the hot topics.
“We just gotta go in and start enforcing this,” said Councilman Glenn Davis. Davis along with other council members expressed their frustration with local business signs being placed on the City’s Right of Way or (ROW).
“Anything in between the power poles is typically the right away that’s not always the case but it’s typically gonna be the right away; if there’s any right next to the curb right next to the sidewalk those signs would be illegal.” said, Director of Inspections & Code, Ryan Pruett.
According to Pruett, it is illegal to place any advertising and or political signs within the city’s right of way.
“Signs that are advertising for a business or any type of event or anything like that are illegal under the city ordinance,” said Pruett.
Council members discussed the following possible solutions:
- $1,000 fine per sign
- Court citations
- Part-time weekend workers
Pruett says an informational campaign is underway for residents.
Another hot topic from Tuesday’s work session, is a new waste collection policy that is underway, starting Monday, Sept. 9. Residents will be expected to place city-issued black or brown carts. Ground waste not placed in carts will not be collected and those who need an additional cart can call 311 for a $55 charge added to their next water bill. This new policy will help with retention rates, eliminating waste collection workers from working 10-hour shifts, six days a week.
Also discussed, is infrastructure. Many updates were provided regarding construction sites such as the Synouvous Bank Stadium and the new Judicial Center which are both set to be finished in 2025 and 2026. According to City Manager Isaiah Hugley, 1.8 billion dollars will go towards infrastructure in Columbus for the next 8 years.
Updates on the Muscogee County Jail renovations were also discussed. According to a shared document, the following issues are being fixed”
- Mold Remediation – $75,815
- Roofing Replacement & Repair: $750,000
- Plumbing Replacement: $788,888
- Façade Repair: TBD
The document states the mold remediation is 90% complete and all mold remediation will be completed by the middle of September. The finish dates of the rest of the replacements have not yet been released.
Stay with News Leader 9 for more updates as they come.
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