Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers January 9, 2024 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 (arrived at 9:03 a.m.) and Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors Jerry “Pops” Barnes (arrived at 9:21 a.m. via teleconference), Tyson Begly, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis (arrived at 9:03 a.m.), R. Walker Garrett, Bruce Huff (arrived at 10:35 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. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Thad Haygood, St. Luke Church of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Pro Tem Allen MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the December 12, 2023 Council Meeting and Executive Session and December 21, 2023 Special Called Meeting and Executive Session. RECOGNITION: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken 2. Saudi Aramco Group and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) PROCLAMATION: Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Tucker) 3. Proclamation: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- An Ordinance providing an increase to the Local Supplement for Muscogee County Sheriff Gregory Countryman effective January 1, 2024; and for other purposes. (As amended) (Councilor Tucker) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4228 3rd Avenue (parcel # 013-001-041) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- REZN-10-23-2056: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3300 6th Avenue (parcel # 014-019-010A) from Residential Multifamily- 2 (RMF2) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus Code to revise the text of a section in Chapter 6 pertaining to the application process Page 2 of 16  for Resource Conservation Subdivisions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 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 RE10 (Residential Estate 10) Zoning District. (Planning Department recommends approval.) (Councilors Allen and Davis) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. A resolution establishing qualifying fees for county offices of the Consolidated Government to be filled in the 2024 elections. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A resolution authorizing payments to The Medical Center, Inc. dba Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown for indigent care services provided during FY 2023. (Councilors Barnes, Cogle, Davis, and Tucker) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Lisa Sparks, Re: To discuss neglect of the elderly. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: The purchase of a business cell phone for City Council Members. No Action Taken 3. Ms. Rachel Glance, Re: The dangerous pit bulls in the neighborhood. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Evelyn Golden, Re: To discuss neglect of the elderly. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Wage gap and poverty. Not Present 6. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: Internal audit response. No Action Taken 7. Mr. Timothy Veals, Re: Concerns about the neighborhood not being cleaned up and safety on Head Street for pedestrians. No Action Taken Page 3 of 16 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1(A-I): Vote Result: APPROVED 1. PURCHASES A. Weather Alert Radios – RFB No. 24-0015 B. 1st Avenue Sidewalk Project – RFB No. 24-0014 C. Change Order 2 – METRA Park and Ride PI #0011435 D. Demolition Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 23-0024 E. Staffing Software for Fire & EMS Department – RFP No. 19-0004 F. Membership Dues for Georgia Municipal Association G. Video Wall Addition for Police Department H. Camera Integration Platform for Police Department I. Additional License Plate Reader (LPR) Cameras for Police Department EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. DRONE FOR FIRE & EMS: On December 19, 2023, the Information Technology Department, on behalf of the Fire & EMS Department, requested the emergency purchase of a drone to be utilized by the Fire and EMS Department. The DJI Matrice 250 RTK drone will be purchased from Flymotion (Tampa, FL), in the amount of $37,966.22, by Cooperative Contract purchase via Sourcewell Contract #011223- FLM. The Drone has the ability to drop a personal flotation device to a person in distress in the river. The equipment and the technology aspects of the purchase were vetted by Fire & EMS and the Information Technology Departments. The purchase will be 100% funded by the 2023 SMART (Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation) grant. The purchase had to be expedited to take advantage of the 2023 grant funding. Consequently, the City Manager approved the emergency purchase on December 19, 2023, as a matter of public safety. Page 4 of 16 2. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager’s Agenda #2(A): Vote Result: APPROVED request for $86,000., but no more than $100,000., for the FY 2024 Golf Course Budget. A. Godwin Creek Golf Course Update – Jim Arendt, Golf Director, Bull Creek/Oxbow/Godwin Creek Golf Courses. City Manager’s Agenda #2(B): Vote Result: APPROVED request to use funding from 44 sworn positions to award a $5,000 pay increase to sworn CPD Officers and E-911 Communications Techs for an implementation cost of $2.749 million. B. Columbus Police Department Recruitment and Retention – Reather Hollowell, Director, Human Resources, Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Infrastructure and Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: January 9, 2024 January 12, 2024 1. General Contractor Services and Housing Inspection Services for the Community Reinvestment Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0012 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) invites qualified vendors to provide general contractor services (Option A) and housing inspection services (Option B) for rehabilitative single-family housing located throughout Columbus-Muscogee County. The Community Reinvestment Department will procure the services on an as-needed basis. Vendors may submit proposals for one, both or all options. Some activities could be a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded project which utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Contracts utilizing CDBG funding are subject to state and local laws, as well as federal regulations found in §2 CFR 200.317 through §2 CFR 300.327 and §24 CFR 570.611. Potential bidders must assure that all project activities will be administered in compliance with labor and civil rights laws and regulations for CDBG funded projects. The 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. Page 5 of 16 January 19, 2024 1. Professional Surveying Services for Finance Department/Revenue Division and Engineering Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0002 Scope of RFP Provide the Finance Department Revenue Division professional surveying services, on an “as needed” basis, in conjunction with the following: a) Application process for an Alcoholic Beverage License; and b) Application process for Class B Coin Operated Amusement Machines. Additionally, provide the Engineering Department with professional surveying services, on an “as needed” basis, in conjunction with various projects. The contract term shall be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. January 24, 2024 1. Design and Construction Services for Golden Park Improvements – RFP No. 24-0019 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct improvements to Golden Park in order to bring it up to standards required by Major League Baseball. Applicants should have experience in designing and building baseball facilities. The estimated project cost is $50 million. Project must be completed by April 2025. The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all programing, design, and construction. January 31, 2024 2. Swim Gear and Lifeguard Accessories (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0021 Scope of RFB It is the intent of the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to secure an annual contract with a vendor to provide various types of swimming gear and lifeguard accessories, on an “as needed” basis, to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Division of the City of Columbus, Georgia. The contract period will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. REFERRALS: Page 6 of 16 CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: No Action Taken 1. Notice from Chief Appraiser- Suzanne Widenhouse, in accordance with Resolution No. 218- 23, Re: Update to prior notice of August 1, 2023 and October 2, 2023, Tax Abatement Agreement on 2023 Series Bonds. ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Toyia Tucker from the December 21, 2023 Special Called Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards: Audit Committee, August 16, 2023 Board of Elections & Registration, November 2, 2023 Board of Tax Assessors, #41-23 and #42-23 Board of Water Commissioners, December 11, 2023 Civic Center Advisory Board, November 16, 2023 Development Authority, November 16, 2023 Planning Advisory Commission, July 19, September 20, October 18 and November 1, and November 15, 2023 Recreation Advisory Board, May 27, July 29, and September 30, 2020 and March 31, August 25, September 29, and November 17, 2021 Page 7 of 16 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 Orrin Hergott to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED reappointment of Orrin Hergott. A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Orrin Hergott- Interested in serving another (Mayor’s Appointment) (Columbus Hockey Assoc. Rep.) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Jed Harris, Jr. (Mayor’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expired: March 1, 2023 These terms are three years. Meets quarterly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 8 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(B): No Action Taken B. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Aaron Guest (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Merrill Rushin (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Page 8 of 16  Akear Mewborn (Vacant) (Mayor’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: March 1, 2022 The terms are four years. Board meets monthly. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 4 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Ms. Marjorie “Mollie” Smith, as the Historic District Resident, was nominated to serve another term of office. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: January 31, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. TREE BOARD: Mr. Clifton Ruehl was nominated to succeed Mr. Troy Keller for the Educator Seat. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2026 6. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Barnes renominated Charlotte Ingram, Councilor Tucker renominated Tracy Belt, Councilor Crabb nominated Tollie Strode to succeed Michael L. Ernst, Councilor Thomas renominated Mike Welch, and Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Adrian Wade to succeed John Partin; Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of Charlotte Ingram, Tracy Belt, Toelle Strode, Mike Welch and Adrian Wade. A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Charlotte Ingram- Interested in serving another term (Council District 1- Barnes) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Tracy Belt- Interested in serving another term (Council District 4- Tucker) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Page 9 of 16 Michael L. Ernst (Council District 5- Crabb) No longer a resident of District 5 Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Mary B. Garcia (Council District 7- Cogle) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Glenn Kyle Albright (Council District 8- Garrett) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Mike Welch- Interested in serving another term (Council District 9- Thomas) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Evan M. Collins (Council District 10- Begly) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 VACANT (Council District 2- Davis) Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Virginia Dickerson (Council District 3- Huff) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 John Partin (Council District 6- Allen) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Mayor Pro Tem Allen is nominating Adrian Wade to succeed John Partin. Councilor Crabbs is nominating Tollie Strode to fill the expiring term of Michael Ernst. Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms. Board Meets quarterly. Page 10 of 16 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb nominated Daniel Streeter, Jr. to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer S. Upshaw, Councilor Garrett nominated David Horiuchi to fill the unexpired term of David Rohwedder; Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of Daniel Streeter, Jr. and David Horiuchi. B. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION: Jennifer S. Upshaw (Vacant) (Council District 5- Crabb) Appointed to another board Term Expires: October 31, 2025 David Rohwedder (Vacant) (Council District 8- Garrett) (Resigned) Term Expires: October 31, 2026 Councilor Crabb is nominating Daniel Street, Jr. to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer S. Upshaw. Councilor Garrett is nominating David Horiuchi to fill the unexpired term of David Rohwedder. The terms are three years. Board meets monthly. 7. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION– RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCIES MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of Douglas L. Koppang to succeed Ramon Brown as recommended by Uptown Columbus, Inc. A. UPTOWN FACADE BOARD: Ramon Brown Open for Nominations (Uptown Columbus Inc. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expired: October 31, 2023 Uptown Columbus, Inc. is recommending Douglas L. Koppang to succeed Ramon Brown. Page 11 of 16  The term is three years. Board meets monthly. 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Kathleen Mullins and Douglas M. Jefcoat. A. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Kathleen Mullins- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 Douglas M. Jefcoat- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 Tomeika Farley Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 Councilor Crabb is re-nominating Kathleen Mullins and Douglas Jefcoat for another term of office. The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Huff renominated Olive Vidal- Kendall and Councilor Thomas renominated Christopher Smith. B. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Olive Vidal-Kendall Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2024 Page 12 of 16  Christopher Smith Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2024 The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): Nomination(s): Councilor Garrett renominated Pythias “Pete” Temesgen and Councilor Huff renominated Chie Canady. C. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Pythias “Pete” Temesgen- Interested in serving another Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Chie Canady- Interested in serving another Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Alia Teetshorn Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2024 The terms are four years. Meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 Page 13 of 16 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(D): No Action Taken D. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Libby Smith Open for Nominations Historic District Resident (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: January 31, 2024 The term is three years. Meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(E): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Brad P. Baker and nominated Michael Ernst to succeed James Dudley, and Councilor Davis nominated Lakshmi Karthik to succeed Patricia A. Weekley. E. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Brad P. Baker- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 Patricia A. Weekley Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 James Dudley Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2024 Councilor Davis is nominating Lakshmi Karthik to succeed Patricia A. Weekley. Councilor Crabb is re-nominating Brad Baker for another term of office and nominating Michael Ernst to succeed James Dudley. The terms are three years. Meets twice a month. Page 14 of 16  Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(F): No Action Taken F. TREE BOARD: Frank Tommey Open for Nominations Residential Development Seat (Council’s Appointment) Not eligible to succeed Term Expired: December 31, 2020 The term is three years. Meets as needed. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 6 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of real estate acquisition and disposal, litigation and potential litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay earlier in the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by nine members of Council, with Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote and the time being 1:21 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 3:10 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of real estate acquisition and disposal, litigation and potential litigation; however, there were no votes taken. ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS: Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing payment to HRC – Manchester – Armour, LLC or its contractor in the amount of $20,000.00 for infrastructure improvements to the storm sewer piping. Page 15 of 16 Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing the Mayor, City Manager or their designee to execute a lease with Diamond Baseball Holdings, LLC to lease the stadium at Golden Park in the South Commons of Columbus, Georgia. Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing a payment of $33,922.50 to settle all damage claims of The CEI Group, LLC on behalf of Jonathan Leisner stemming from the incident which occurred on September 1, 2022, and to execute all appropriate settlement documents to this effect. 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 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote, and the time being 3:23 p.m. Page 16 of 16