Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers November 7, 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, Tyson Begly, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, Bruce Huff (arrived at 9:35 a.m.), 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 Joanne Cogle was absent from the meeting. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain (MAJ) Michael Johnson, Brigade Chaplain, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, Fort Moore, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the October 31, 2023, Council Meeting and Executive Session. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- An ordinance suspending the enforcement of penalties and interest on business and occupational tax due and owing for years 2023 and prior through December 31, 2023; and for other purposes. (Councilors Crabb, Davis and Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the Columbus Code by repealing and replacing Section 17-25 to revise the criteria for promotion to the rank of Sergeant; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Section 3-12(b) of the Columbus Code to revise on premise alcohol licensing requirements for senior living facilities; and for other purposes. (Councilor Thomas) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, representing Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Re: The purpose for the audit. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Wane Hailes, representing the Courier Eco Latino, Re: The treatment of the City Manager regarding the Executive Summary of the Finance Department and impending internal audit. No Action Taken 3. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: Public Officials communication with citizens. No Action Taken 4. Mr. Jonathan Carroll, representing Primrose Walk Subdivision, Re: The road resurfacing project in the Primrose Walk Subdivision. Not Present Page 2 of 11 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Variance for Sidewalk Installation at 1760 Williams 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 #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Columbus Water Works License Agreement Approval is requested to enter into a License Agreement with the Columbus Water Works to utilize 3607 Wade Street as a “lay down” area for the construction of nearby infrastructure. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Annual Unused Sick Leave Payment Approval is requested to authorize payment to employees for unused sick leave in accordance with 16B-15-6 (2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Development Authority to Transfer Property located at 5 8th Street and 801 Broadway Approval is authorized to request the Development Authority to return property to the city located at 5 8th Street and 801 Broadway. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Georgia Trauma Commission – Georgia Trauma Care Network Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $7,452.05 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 #6(A-G): Vote Result: APPROVED 6. PURCHASES Page 3 of 11  A. Mini Excavator for Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase B. Crawler Pipe Inspection Camera for Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase C. Declaration of Surplus and Donation of One Crown Victoria Vehicle to Muscogee County School District D. Federal Reimbursement Recovery Services E. Amendment 13 for Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for Columbus Government Center Complex – RFQ No. 20-0002 F. Amendment 14 for Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for Columbus Government Center Complex – RFQ No. 20-0002 G. Cellular Connection Service for Emergency Phones Installed in Parking Garage Elevators at City Hall (Annual Contract) – GSA Cooperative Contract EMERGENCY PURCHASE Emergency Purchase – Information Only POST-ACCIDENT DRUG SCREENING – AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS: On October 16, 2023, the City Manager was notified by Human Resources, that the vendor under contract to perform Employee Physicals will no longer be able to provide services for Post- Accident Drug and Alcohol Screening – After Hours, Weekends and Holidays due to staffing issues. The City awarded a five (5) year contract to Occupational Medicine of Columbus on April 27, 2021, per Resolution No. 125-21. The original RFP for Employee Physicals was revised to include the services prior to being awarded. Occupational Medicine of Columbus has worked with Human Resources to identify a vendor who can perform the post-accident screenings. Fastest Labs of Columbus is able to perform the screenings after-hours, as well as on weekends and holidays. The vendor has agreed to charge $45.00 for the screen and $50.00 per hour charge (one hour minimum). There may be an additional charge if a Medical Review Officer (MRO) is needed. The number of accidents that occur after- hours/weekends/holidays is minimal and estimated to be approximately twenty-five (25) occurrences or less per year. For a period of sixty (60) days, ending on December 17, 2023, Occupational Medicine of Columbus will act as a pass-through for Fastest Labs of Columbus. After that date, the City will work directly with Fastest Labs of Columbus to perform the services for a period of ten (10) months, ending December 17, 2024. During this time, Purchasing will prepare an RFP for a contract. Page 4 of 11 The City Manager approved the emergency purchase on October 16, 2023. Funds are budgeted each fiscal year for this on-going expense: Various Departments – Pre- employment Physicals. 7. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager’s Agenda #7(A): Vote Result: APPROVED expanded design option to include additional 4 shell courtrooms, with funding coming from the General Fund and/or OLOST Infrastructure Reserves. A. Judicial Center Update - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development, Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code City Manager’s Agenda #7(B): Vote Result: APPROVED school zone camera license agreement for 11th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, 3rd Avenue between 11th Street and 10th Street, and Bradley Park Drive between River Road and Bristol Boulevard. B. School Zone Camera Update – Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: November 7, 2023 November 8, 2023 1. 1st Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project – RFB No. 24-0014 Scope of Bid The scope of work includes clearing, excavation and removal, earthwork and grading, pavement and miscellaneous site improvements, soil erosion control measures, landscaping and tree planting. This is a U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded project, which utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The awarded contractor shall adhere to all HUD and CDBG project requirements, including Section 3. The requirements are listed on pages 15 - 35 of the Request for Bids (RFB) document. November 17, 2023 1. Ambulance Billing and Collection Services for Columbus Fire & EMS Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0004 Scope of RFP Page 5 of 11  Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) invites qualified vendors to provide billing and collection services for the Columbus Fire & EMS Department. The services are required to enhance and develop an internal revenue cycle and will be procured on an as- needed basis. The initial term of the contract 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. REFERRALS: CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION - A resolution appointing Todd Hammons to the Board of Tax Assessors for a term of office to begin on January 1, 2024 and expires on December 31, 2029. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Toyia Tucker to attend NACo 2024 Legislative Conference during the month of February 2024. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: CONFIRMED 3. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Email Correspondence from Attorney Jack Schley, Board Secretary, advising of the selection of Wayne Joiner to succeed Jennings Chester and Warner Kennon, Jr. and Sarah Banks-Lang to serve another term of office. (Council confirms the appointment.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: CONFIRMED 4. MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY: Letter from Tina Etheridge, Assistant Secretary, Board of Trustees, advising of the selection of Dr. John Bucholtz and Fredrick McKnight to serve another term of office. (Council confirms the appointment.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: RECEIVED 5. Minutes of the following boards: 457 Deferred Compensation Board, July 20, 2023 Page 6 of 11  Airport Commission, June 21, August 3, and August 23, 2023 Board of Tax Assessors, #35-23 and #36-23 Board of Water Commissioners, September 11, and October 16, 2023 Columbus Golf Course Authority, July 18, 2023 Development Authority of Columbus, September 7, 2023 Hospital Authority of Columbus, September 26, 2023 Planning Advisory Commission, October 4, 2023 Public Safety Advisory Commission, September 21, 2023 Tree Board, October 5, 2023 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Mr. Edwin Roldan was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Ms. Diane Scrimpshire was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION: Ms. Annettee Williams was nominated to succeed Ms. Margaret Jenkins. (Councilor Tucker’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(D): Vote Result: CONFIRMED D. BOARD OF HEALTH: Dr. Sylvester McRae was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2028 Page 7 of 11 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(E): Vote Result: CONFIRMED E. BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS: Mr. Nick Smith was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Clint W. Cox (Relocating outside of Muscogee County). (Councilor Thomas’ nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(F): Vote Result: CONFIRMED F. LAND BANK AUTHORITY: Mr. Carson Cummings, Jr. was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Chris Phillips (Relocating outside of Muscogee County). (Councilor Begly’s nominee) Term expires: October 31, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(G): Vote Result: CONFIRMED G. LIBERTY THEATRE & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson was nominated to serve as a member on the newly created board. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term Expires: August 14, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(H): Vote Result: CONFIRMED H. LIBERTY THEATRE & CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Dr. Shikha Shah was nominated to serve as a member on the newly created board. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term Expires: August 14, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(I): Vote Result: CONFIRMED I. TREE BOARD: Ms. Farah Dewsbury was nominated to serve another term of office as the At-Large Member. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(J): Vote Result: CONFIRMED J. TREE BOARD: Mr. Robert Hecht was nominated to serve another term of office as the Commercial or Industrial Development Representative. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(K): Vote Result: CONFIRMED K. TREE BOARD: Ms. Amy J. Spencer was nominated to fill the expired term of Ms. Chris Henson as the Environmental Advocacy Representative. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires: July 1, 2026 Page 8 of 11 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): NOMINATION: Councilor Garrett nominated Nancy A. Anderson to succeed Jayne Dunn on the Animal Control Advisory Board. A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Jayne Dunn Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: October 15, 2023 Councilor Garrett is nominating Nancy A. Anderson to succeed Jayne Dunn. The term is two years. Board meets as needed. Women: 9 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 7 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): NOMINATION: Councilor Barnes nominated Dr. Bantwal Baliga to succeed Dr. James Lopez on the Board of Health. B. BOARD OF HEALTH: James Lopez Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2023 Councilor Barnes is nominating Dr. Bantwal Baliga to succeed Dr. James Lopez. These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 Page 9 of 11 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): No Action Taken C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD: Lawanna Williams Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2023 VACANT Open for Nominations Term Expires: December 31, 2028 (Council’s Appointment) The terms are six years. Meets quarterly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(D): No Action Taken D. TREE BOARD: 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: 7 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 6 Page 10 of 11 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay earlier in the meeting. Councilor Tucker made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Cogle being absent for the meeting, and the time being 11:07 a.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 11:44 a.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation; however, there were no votes taken. With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Tucker to adjourn the November 7, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Cogle being absent from the meeting, and the time being 11:44 a.m. Page 11 of 11