Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers January 24, 2023 C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor 5:30 PM 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, GA 31906 Regular Meeting M A Y O R’ S A G E N D A PRESENT: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III and Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett (via Microsoft Teams), John M. House (via Microsoft Teams), Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, and Toyia Tucker. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Sandra T. Davis, and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore were present. ABSENT: Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Valerie Thompson, Revelation Missionary Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the January 3, 2023, Council Meeting. PROCLAMATION: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Tucker) 2. Proclamation: Four Chaplains Sunday Receiving: American Legion Post 35 RESOLUTION Mayor’s Agenda #3: Delayed 3. Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Mother of the Blues A resolution honoring local music legend, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, upon the occasion of her posthumous receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At the request of Councilor Crabb, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of personnel and Mayor Henderson included litigation, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the meeting, and the time being 5:41 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:45 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation; however, there were no votes taken. PRESENTATION: Mayor’s Agenda #4: No Action Taken 4. Audit Report on Public Works (Presented by Donna McGinnis, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer) Mayor’s Agenda #5: No Action Taken 5. Audit, Animal Care and Control Center (Presented by Elizabeth Barfield, Forensic Auditor) CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES Page 2 of 15 City Attorney’s Agenda #1: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 1. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2066: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1200 / 1226 6th Avenue (parcel # 018-009-005 / 0T18-009-004A) from LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial) Zoning District to UP (Uptown) Zoning District. Planning Department and PAC recommend approval. (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2067: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a district located at 1947 Wynnton Road (parcel # 184-019-001A) from RO (Residential Office) Zoning District to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Huff) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2068: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; to change certain boundaries of a district located at 8215 Cooper Creek Road (parcel # 080-001-004) from RO (Residential Office) Zoning District to SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2069 An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4030 Veterans Court (parcel # 072-010-028) from RO (Residential Office) Zoning District with conditions to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Davis) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2070: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 6330 Lynridge Avenue (parcel # 071-009-003) from SFR3 (Single Family Residential) Zoning District to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval with conditions.) (Councilor Davis) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD Page 3 of 15 6. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2158: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to add certain definitions and provide standards for various uses. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: APPROVED 90-day moratorium on the issuance of business licenses for short-term rentals; AMENDED to include a cap of 35 short-term rentals for the Downtown Historic District, a cap of 20 short-term rentals for the St. Elmo Historic District and to limit the occupancy to no more than two (2) occupants per bedroom plus one additional occupant per unit. 7. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2184: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus Code to revise the text of certain sections of Chapter 4 Article 9 – Short-Term Rentals. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #8: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: APPROVED 60-day delay on property located at 931 5th Avenue. 8. 1st Reading- An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 1) 2947 Schatulga Road (Linda Brantly Hood & Virginia S Hood, Owner) 2) 931 5th Avenue (Luel LLC, Owner) 3) 615 8th Street (Lula Lunsford Huff et al, Owner) 4) 926 Lawyers Lane (926 Lawyers Lane LLC, Owner) 5) 4110 2nd Avenue (Arguello Victor Manwell Rodriguez, Owner) 6) 2501 Hamilton Road (Joan Dannelly, Owner) 7) 21 Mathews Street (George Kebe Jr, Owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #9: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 9. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the new Classification and Pay Plan for the Consolidated Government (as adopted by Ordinance 22-045) to establish step-based career ladder advancement provisions for Official Superior Court Reporters; authorizing up to $15,000.00 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. (Mayor Pro Tem) RESOLUTIONS Page 4 of 15 City Attorney’s Agenda #10: Vote Result: APPROVED 10. A resolution authorizing the Columbus Water Works to accept a $8,869,800 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents to facilitate the transaction. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #11: Vote Result: APPROVED 11. A resolution authorizing the Columbus Water Works to accept a $11,230,200 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents to facilitate the transaction. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #12: Vote Result: APPROVED 12. A resolution authorizing the Columbus Water Works to accept a $7,526,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents to facilitate the transaction. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #13: Vote Result: APPROVED 13. A resolution authorizing Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages at all on-premises locations within Columbus on Sunday February 12, 2023. (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing the Tax Commissioner of Muscogee County to waive penalties and interest on certain taxes dur for the 2022 Tax Year. PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Jack Rosenhammer, Re: The state of hockey in Columbus. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Lisa Pyburn, Re: Homelessness, illegal dumping, arson and infrastructure. No Action Taken 3. Mrs. Lori Greeff, Re: ARP Grant. No Action Taken Page 5 of 15 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Power Easement Request from Georgia Power Approval is requested to enter into a Power Easement to be in the vicinity of the “Follow Me Trail” pedestrian bridge crossing Victory Drive for Georgia Power to replace a power pole on city property and re-route underground service in said area in preparation to cross Victory Drive, underground. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Event Coordinators, Inc. Agreement Approval is requested to enter into a five-year Agreement with Event Coordinators, Inc. Contract dates March 29, 2024, through April 9, 2028. The current contract expires April 16, 2023. Event Coordinators, INC provides the annual Spring Fling Carnival which generates around $60,000 annually. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED the recusal of Councilor Davis; Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Lease Agreement – Fox Community Center: 3720 5th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31904 –U-Grow Inc. Approval is requested to enter into a lease agreement with U-Grow Inc. to lease space at the Fox Community Center located at 3720 5th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31904. The Columbus Consolidated Government will lease at the rate of $1.00 per annum, being a sum of $3.00 prior to the commencement of the initial lease and subsequent renewals. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. $10,000 Donation from Flint Energies Foundation Grant for Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Approval is requested to accept the donation of $10,000 from Flint Energies Foundation Grant for tools and equipment. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Apply for Additional Funds from METRA’s FY23 FTA Sec. 5339 Formula Grant Page 6 of 15 Approval is requested for the City Manager to apply and accept a $331,352 amendment to the FY23 FTA Sec. 5339 Formula Grant and amend the Transportation Fund for the awarded amount. The funds will be used to replace 2 paratransit buses for METRA Transit System’s Dial-A-Ride service and to procure additional bus support amenities. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Georgia Trauma commission – Georgia Trauma Care Network Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $7659.60, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Trauma Commission – Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, with no local match required and amend the Multi-Government Fund by the award amount. The grant funds will be used to purchase equipment that will be used to better equip Columbus Fire and EMS in the treatment of trauma patients. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. Atlanta Humane Society – Capital Improvement Grant Approval is requested to submit and accept an animal welfare grant from $10, 000 - $30,000 from the Atlanta Humane Society. This grant will pay for capital improvements to the facility. If granted an outside Animal Washing Station and Meet and Greet Area will be created. City Manager’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. FY23- FY24 – Solicitor General Crime Victim Assistance Grant Request to accept a Federal VOCA (Victims of Crimes Act) Grant in the amount of $201,950 or as otherwise awarded from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the Solicitor General’s Victim Assistance Program. City Manager’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED 9. 2022-23 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Base Grant Approval is requested to authorize the District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program to submit and if approved, accept a grant for $408,804 or as otherwise awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Georgia along with $102,201 from the 5% Crime Victim Surcharge Fund allocated in the FY23 Budget to provide funding for Crime Victim Assistance in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. City Manager’s Agenda #10: Vote Result: APPROVED 10. 2022-23 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Compensation Grant Page 7 of 15 Approval is requested to authorize the District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program to submit and if approved, accept a grant for $50,049 or as otherwise awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of Georgia, along with $12,512 from the 5% Crime Victim Surcharge Fund allocated in the FY23 Budget. City Manager’s Agenda #11: Vote Result: APPROVED 11. State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Grant Application Approval is requested for the City Manager, the Mayor, or their designee to apply for and accept the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for Fiscal Year 2023, in the amount of $30,000 to $35,000, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the SCAAP project budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #12(A-C): Vote Result: APPROVED 12. PURCHASES A. Bus Vacuum System – RFB No. 22-0012 B. Collection Services for Returned Checks – Res. No. 25-17 C. Upgrade of Juvenile Court Case Management System (JCATS) 13. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Tax Commissioner Update – Lulu Huff, Tax Commissioner. No Action Taken B. River Valley Regional Commission Update - Jim Livingston, River Valley Regional Commission Executive Director. Delayed C. NCDA Audrey Nelson Award- Kim Mitchell, Assistant Director, Community Reinvestment. Delayed D. FY 2024 HUD Grant Cycle Announcement- Kim Mitchell, Assistant Director, Community Reinvestment. No Action Taken Page 8 of 15  BID ADVERTISEMENT January 25, 2023 1. Dumpster/Roll Off Container Rental and Servicing (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 23- 0016 Scope of Bid The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) is seeking vendors to provide dumpsters/roll-off containers on a rental basis, to include servicing the equipment on an “as needed” basis. Services will be procured both during the week and on weekends. The contract term will be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. 2. Risk Management Information System – RFP No. 23-0006 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide a Risk Management Information System (RMIS). The RMIS will communicate with the Workers Compensation and Accident Reporting systems currently in use to produce reports that will enable Risk Management Staff to work with other City Departments in an effort to reduce accidents and injuries. January 27, 2023 1. Workplace Ergonomics Training and Consulting Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0005 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting proposals for workplace ergonomics training and consulting services for the Risk Management Program. The successful firm shall assist with development of an ergonomics policy and provide training services on an- as needed basis. The contract term will be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal shall be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor. January 30, 2023 1. Workers’ Compensation Claims Management Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0020 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government invites qualified firms to submit proposals to provide workers’ compensation claim management services to its workforce of approximately 3000 employees in various occupations, ranging from public safety to field force to administrative positions. The services shall commence on March 1, 2024. Page 9 of 15  The contract term will be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes from the January 24, 2023, Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Joanne Cogle to attend the Newly Elected Officials Training in March of 2023. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards: 457 Deferred Compensation Board, October 20, 2022 Board of Tax Assessors, #39-22 Board of Zoning Appeals, December 7, 2022 Building Authority of Columbus, June 29, 2022 Civic Center Advisory Board, May 19, July 21 & September 15, 2022 Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners, November 16, 2022 Employees’ Pension Fund, Board of Trustees, August 10 & September 14, 2022 Historic & Architectural Review Board, September 12, October 11 & November 14, 2022 Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, January 11, 2023 Medical Center Hospital Authority, April 27, 2022 Planning Advisory Commission, October 5 & December 7, 2022 Retiree Health Benefits Committee, February 16, May 18, August 17 & November 16, 2022 River Valley Regional Commission, October 26 & December 7, 2022 Page 10 of 15 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 4. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Nomination: Mayor Henderson nominated Chuck McClure to fill the vacant seat; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION: Pete Temesgen (Mayor’s Appointment) Vacant seat Term Expires: October 31, 2023 Mayor Henderson is nominating Mr. Chuck McClure to succeed Judge Pete Temesgen 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. LAND BANK AUTHORITY: Ms. Lauren Chambers was nominated to succeed Mr. Tyler Pritchard. (Councilor Davis’ nominee) Term expires: October 31, 2026 6. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Nomination: Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated John Partin to serve another term as the District 6 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: John Partin - Interested in serving another term (District 6- Allen) Eligible to succeed Term Expired: March 27, 2022 These are three-year terms. Board meets the months of February, May, September and December. Page 11 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): Nomination: Clerk of Council Davis stated Councilor Barnes is nominating Lane Ogletree-Battle to fill the vacant seat as the District 1 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Lonnie Boyd (District 1- Barnes) Seat declared vacant Term Expires: December 31, 2025 Councilor Barnes is nominating Ms. Lane Ogletree-Battle to succeed Mr. Lonnie Boyd. 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): No Action Taken A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Vincent Allen Open for Nominations Resigned (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2023 This is a two-year term. Board meets as needed. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Page 12 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): Nomination: Councilor Cogle nominated Jensen Melton to fill the vacant seat. B. COLUMBUS AQUATICS COMMISSION: David Helmich Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2022 Bruce Samuels Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2022 VACANT Open for Nominations Term Expired: June 30, 2022 (Council’s Appointment) Councilor Cogle is nominating Ms. Jensen Melton for the vacant seat. These are two-year terms. Meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): No Action Taken C. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Dr. Shanita Pettaway Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 5) (Council’s Appointment) Resigned Term Expired: December 31, 2022 The terms are three years. Board meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 3 Page 13 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(D): No Action Taken D. TREE BOARD: Chris Henson Open for Nominations Environmental Advocacy Representative (Council’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: July 1, 2022 Troy Keller Open for Nominations Educator Seat (Council’s Appointment) Not eligible to succeed Term Expired: December 31, 2020 Frank Tommey Open for Nominations Residential Development Seat (Council’s Appointment) Not eligible to succeed Term Expired: December 31, 2020 These are four-year terms. Meets as needed. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 6 UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS: A. Board of Zoning Appeals (Council Appointment) B. Building Authority of Columbus (Mayor and Council Appointments) C. Commission on International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters (Mayor and Council Appointments) D. Civic Center Advisory Board (Mayor and Council Appointments) E. Crime Prevention Board (Mayor Appointments) F. Historic & Architectural Review Board (Council Appointment) G. Planning Advisory Commission (Council Appointment) Page 14 of 15 With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the January 24, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote, Councilor Barnes being absent for the meeting, and the time being 11:39 p.m. Page 15 of 15