Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers February 14, 2023 C. E. “Red” McDaniel City Services Center- Second Floor 9:00 AM 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 Jerry “Pops” Barnes (arrived at 9:16 a.m.), Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, R. Walker Garrett (via Microsoft Teams), John M. House, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, and Toyia Tucker (via Microsoft Teams). City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore were present. ABSENT: Councilor Glenn Davis and Clerk of Council Sandra T. Davis were absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Herman Ivey, Right from the Start 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 31, 2023, Council Meeting. PRESENTATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken 2. Update on Best Ranger Competition Events in Columbus (Presented by Brigadier General Larry Burris, Commandant of the Infantry School at Fort Benning) Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken 3. FY22 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) (Presented by David Irwin, External Auditors, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC) Mayor’s Agenda #4: No Action Taken 4. Operational Assessment of the Columbus Police Department (Presented by Staff of Jensen Hughes) Mayor’s Agenda #5: No Action Taken 5. Update on the Police Department (Presented by Freddie Blackmon, Chief of Police, Columbus Police Department) CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing a moratorium not to exceed 90 days on the consideration or approval of any application for a short-term rental permit submitted pursuant to Section 4.9.4 of the Unified Development Ordinance; that said moratorium shall expire no later than 11:59 on Saturday, April 15, 2023; and for other purposes. (Request of Council) City Attorney’s Agenda #1: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- REZN-11-22-2153: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 212 Railroad Street (parcel # 005-007-010) from GC (General Commercial) Zoning District to UPT (Uptown) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #1: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- REZN-12-22-2286: An ordinance adding a new Section 3.2.76 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to provide standards for a Medical Cannabis Dispensary. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro Tem) Page 2 of 13 City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain portions of a district known as the Conversation Use Valuation Assessment, from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) Zoning District to RE5 (Residential Estate 5) or RE10 (Residential Estate 10) Zoning District. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- An ordinance approving prohibition of the download or use of TikTok, WeChat and Telegram on laptops, mobile phones and other devices issued, owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the Columbus Consolidated Government or used for Columbus Consolidated Government or State of Georgia business as Addendum 5 to the Acceptable and Supportable use of Technology Policy Number 210-1000-004. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 6. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the Budgets for the Fiscal Year 2023 beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023, for certain Funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for various activities; and for other purposes. (Budget Review Committee) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Dr. Jonathan Liss, Columbus Memory Center, Re: Update on the success of the partnership known as the “Columbus Memory Project”. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Theresa Collins, Re: Affordable Housing. Not Present 3. Ms. Inez Blackmon, representing Affordable Housing Justice Forum, Re: The unfair housing practices. Not Present 4. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Slumlords and Reparations. No Action Taken Page 3 of 13 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. TSPLOST Projects, Band 1 Approval is requested to proceed with executing and funding the pre-construction requirements for Band 1 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) Projects that will be handled locally to include right of way acquisition, permanent and temporary construction easements, utility relocation, environmental mitigation and other necessary agreements to prepare projects for construction. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Prose Apartments -Variance for Sidewalk Installation at 6700 River Road Approval is requested for granting a variance to Section 7.10.1-Required Sidewalk of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) excusing the requirement to install sidewalks in all residential, commercial and industrial developments. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Whatley Oil-Variance for Sidewalk Installation at 5401 Miller Road Approval is requested for granting a variance to Section 7.10.1-Required Sidewalk of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) excusing the requirement to install sidewalks in all residential, commercial and industrial developments. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Columbus Police Department: Donation Approval is requested to accept a donation in the amount of $200 given in support of the Columbus Police Department City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Environmental Services Agreement Approval is requested to enter into a Third Amendment to an existing Environmental Services Agreement with Columbus Power Producers, LLC to allow for the design, installation, and operation of a landfill gas collection system at the Pine Grove Landfill, which is owned by the Columbus Consolidated Government. Page 4 of 13 City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. 2023 Legislative Agenda – Add On: Lower Prescription Drug Prices - Approval is requested of the add on resolutions for the 2023 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly, which the Mayor and Council deem appropriate. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. Historic Preservation Certified Local Government Grant for Design Guideline Updates Approval is requested to apply for and to accept, if awarded, a Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant award in the amount of $25,000 with the 40% required match supplied by Historic Columbus and Uptown Columbus for the purpose of updating the design guidelines for both the Board of Historic and Architectural Review as well as the Uptown Facade Board. City Manager’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Approval is requested to submit and accept grant funding to the Environmental Protection Agency for the Reimbursement of up to five million dollars for both a Citizen Drop Off Area and a Biosolids Composting Area. City Manager’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED 9. Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP) Grant Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $2,607.60, or as otherwise awarded, from the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation to promote a community based “Risk and Safety Day” by the amount awarded. City Manager’s Agenda #10: Vote Result: APPROVED 10. FEMA – Assistance to Firefighter Grant Approval is requested to apply for a grant in the amount of $347,333.68 or as otherwise awarded from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. With $315,757.89 funded through FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant and a 10% local match of $31,575.79 required with amendment made to the Multi-Government Fund by the award amount. Page 5 of 13 City Manager’s Agenda #11(A-H): Vote Result: APPROVED 11. PURCHASES A. Watershed Fertilization (Annual Contract) RFB No. 23-0023 B. Pressure Washing Services for Civic Center Roof (Annual Contract) RFB No. 23-0026 C. Towable Electric Boom Lift for Parks and Recreation – Sourcewell Contract Cooperative Purchase D. Compact Excavator for Parks and Recreation – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase E. Space Planning and Programming & Design Professional Services for Fire Station No. 5 Replacement – RFQ No. 23-0001 F. Rapid Access System Project – Cooperative Purchase G. Prison Management Software for Muscogee County Prison – H-GAC Cooperative Purchase H. Declaration of Surplus and Donation of Two Crown Victoria Vehicles EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Emergency Purchase – Information Only FORD 2023 FORD EXPLORER FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY On October 27, 2022, the City Manager approved the emergency purchase of one (1) Ford Explorer for Information Technology, due to exigent circumstances related to supply chain issues, per the Procurement Ordinance, Article 3-115, Emergency Procurement. This vehicle was purchased to replace a vehicle which presented a mold issue while being garaged over the weekend. There is no apparent cause for the mold, which could be a combination of the vehicle age and an unknown hidden issue; it is unsafe to drive. A vehicle ordered nearly two years ago has not been delivered because of supply chain issues. This emergency purchase would not be necessary if the ordered vehicle had been received. The vehicle was purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $44,188.00. Rivertown Ford had an available vehicle on their lot commensurate with existing prices or less. This is a replacement vehicle. Funding is available in the FY23 Budget via General Fund Reserves. The purchase will be made from: General Fund – Information Technology – Information Technology – Light Trucks; 0101- 210-1000-ISS-7722. Page 6 of 13 11. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Risk Management Update - Anne- Marie Amiel, Risk Manager. No Action Taken B. Ford Rd. /Farr Rd. Traffic Study Update - Keith Strickland, Stantec. No Action Taken C. Knox Box Update – Homeland Security Director Chance Corbett. No Action Taken D. Columbus Infrastructure / Roads Update - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager of Finance, Planning and Development. No Action Taken E. Critical Vacancies Update - Reather Hollowell, Human Resources Director. No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT February 15, 2023 1. Alternator & Starters for METRA (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0031 Scope of Bid Provide alternators and starters to METRA Transit System on an “as needed” basis. The contract term will be for three (3) years. February 22, 2023 1. Carbon Dioxide Liquid Bulk and Tank Rentals for City Swimming Pools (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 23-0028 Scope of Bid Provide carbon dioxide liquid in bulk, and the rental of six (6) 750lb tanks, for City swimming pools. The contract term will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. 2. Property Clean Up Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 23-0027 Scope of Bid Provide services for the clearing of vacant or unoccupied properties, including cutting and removing grass, weeds, undergrowth and other vegetation, for Columbus Consolidated Government Department of Inspections and Code, as required by law, on an “as needed” basis. The contract term will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. Page 7 of 13 March 8, 2023 1. Tire Leasing Services for City Buses (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 23-0029 Scope of Bid Provide tire leasing services for City buses to the Columbus Consolidated Government Department of Transportation/METRA Transit System on an “as needed” basis. The contract term will be for three (3) years with no renewal options. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION - A resolution cancelling the remainder of the FY2023 Proclamation Sessions: March 7, April 4, May 2 and June 6, 2023. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Email Correspondence from Attorney Jack Schley recommending consideration for the addition of Mr. Charles Hecht as one of the three nominees to succeed Ms. Susan McKnight on the Hospital Authority of Columbus. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards: Animal Control Advisory Board, December 13, 2022 & January 17, 2023 Board of Elections & Registration, November 15, 2022 Board of Tax Assessors, #01-23, #02-23 and #03-23 Board of Zoning Appeals, January 4, 2023 Columbus Board of Health, September 28, October 26 & December 7, 2022 Development Authority of Columbus, December 1, 2022 & January 5, 2023 Hospital Authority of Columbus, October 25, 2022 Page 8 of 13 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 renominated Renee Sturkie to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Renee Sturkie- Interested in serving another term (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed 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 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(B): Nomination: Mayor Henderson renominated Eric Spears to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Eric Spears- Interested in serving (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2023 Akear Mewborn (Mayor’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: March 1, 2022 These are four-year terms. Board meets monthly. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 Page 9 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(C): Nomination: Mayor Henderson renominated Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick- Interested in serving (Mayor’s Appointment) (Law Enforcement Agency) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2023 These are three-year terms. Board meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 5 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Mr. Alfred Hayes, Jr. was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Davis’ nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Mr. John Jackson was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 1, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Ms. Mary Quiller was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 1, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(D): Vote Result: CONFIRMED D. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Ms. Fran Poole Carpenter was nominated to serve another term of office. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: January 31, 2026 Page 10 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(E): Vote Result: CONFIRMED E. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION): Mr. John P. Steed was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2026 6. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Nomination: Councilor Thomas nominated Jack Rosenhammer to succeed John Boyd; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: John Boyd (District 9- Thomas) Not Eligible to serve another term Term Expires: March 1, 2023 Councilor Thomas is nominating Mr. Jack Rosenhammer to succeed Mr. John Boyd as the District 9 representative. These are three-year terms. Board meets every other month. 7. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION- ORGANIZATION / AGENCY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of Emily Flournoy to serve another term on the Historic & Architectural Review Board. A. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Emily Flournoy- Interested in serving another term (Council’s Confirmation) (Uptown Business Association) Eligible to succeed Term Expired: January 31, 2023 The Uptown Business Association is recommending Ms. Emily Flournoy to serve another term of office. Page 11 of 13 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): No Action Taken A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Leila Carr Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2023 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 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): No Action Taken B. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Katie Bishop Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: January 31, 2023 These are three-year terms. Board meets monthly. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Page 12 of 13 UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS A. Employee Benefits Committee (Council & Public Safety Employees’ selection) B. Housing Authority of Columbus (Mayor’s Appointment) PUBLIC AGENDA (continued) 1. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Slumlords and Reparations. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of litigation and confidential documents related to ongoing criminal investigations as requested earlier in the meeting by City Attorney Fay. Mayor Pro Tem Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor House and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote, Councilor Davis being absent for the meeting, and the time being 2:06 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 3:15 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of litigation and confidential documents related to ongoing criminal investigations; however, there were no votes taken. With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor House and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote, Councilor Davis being absent for the meeting, and the time being 3:16 p.m. Page 13 of 13