Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers February 13, 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 and Mayor Pro Tem R. Gary Allen and Councilors Jerry “Pops” Barnes (via teleconference), Tyson Begly, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett (via teleconference), Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Toyia Tucker. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Sandra T. Davis, and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore were present. ABSENT: City Attorney Clifton Fay was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Lynn Meadows-White with the Methodist Children’s Home PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the January 23, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session; January 30, 2024 Consent Agenda / Work Session. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: AMENDED to move forward with the lockbox portion and remove proposed amendments to Chapter 4 pertaining to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure; Vote Result: ADOPTED AS AMENDED 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-11-23-0218: An ordinance amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to add a new Section 4.2.25 pertaining to key lockboxes and to add a new Article X to Chapter 4 pertaining to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (as amended) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading - An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 2937 10th Street (Robin Thompson & Robert J. Holston, Owner); 480 Timberlane Drive (Estate of Kathryn/Jacquelyn Wiggins, Owner); 406 17th Avenue (Lamroz LLC, Owner); 4131 2nd Avenue (Jonnie L. General, Owner); 5210 Forrest Road (Premium Oil Station No. 6, Owner); and 2904 9th Street (Malissa Hall, Owner) and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (as amended) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23-038 which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 Salary and Wages Pay Plan for the Consolidated Government to provide a $5,000.00 pay increase to Sworn Officers and Emergency 911 Technicians effective February 3, 2024; to incorporate a new payscale for the Public Safety Personnel of the Columbus Police Department; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: ADOPTED 4. 2nd Reading- An ordinance amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2024 Beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, 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) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-12-23-2400: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 7505 Veterans Parkway (parcel # 073-029-001) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval) (Councilor Davis) Page 2 of 14 City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 6. 1st Reading- REZN-11-23-2304: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1323 Munro Avenue (parcel # 185-029-006) from Single Family Residential -2 (SFR2) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 7. 1st Reading- REZN-01-24-0063: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of the Columbus Code to revise the text of Section 9.3.4 to provide for representation of the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board on the Board of Historical and Architectural Review. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #8: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: CONTINUED on 1st Reading 8. 1st Reading- An ordinance to revise and clarify certain provisions of the Columbus Code which provide for the foreclosure of liens on property for which funds are due and owing to the consolidated government; and for other purposes. (Councilor Begly) City Attorney’s Agenda #9: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: CONTINUED on 1st Reading 9. 1st Reading- An ordinance to provide for a levy of increase on ad valorem taxes for blighted property; to provide for identification of blighted property; to provide for remediation; to provide for a decrease on ad valorem taxes on property; and for other purposes. (Councilor Begly) City Attorney’s Agenda #10: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 10. 1st Reading- An ordinance to revise and clarify certain provisions of Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code which provide for meeting dates and procedures for the Columbus Council and for other purposes. (Councilor Thomas) City Attorney’s Agenda #11: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 11. 1st Reading- FY23 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT: Approve an ordinance amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2023 by appropriating amounts in each fund for various operational activities. (Budget Review Committee) Page 3 of 14 PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Cornelia Grant, representing BAND (Beallwood Area Neighborhood Development), Inc., Re: The transfer of leased property at 5001 12th Avenue. No Action Taken 2. Mrs. Shirlanne King, Re: Magnolia Manor. Not Present 3. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Wage gap, evictions and poverty. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Pamela Moss, Re: Renovation at Golden Park. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Patricia Stephens, Re: Golden Park and all other properties within Georgia HR157. No Action Taken 6. Mr. Jerome Lawson, Re: Challenges to reputation that caused decisions to be made that affected a program in Columbus. Not Present 7. Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, representing Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA), Re: The results of the latest audit. No Action Taken 8. Ms. Sharon Moore, representing West Central Health District, Re: Georgia Strong Families Fatherhood Program at the Columbus Health Department. No Action Taken 9. Mrs. Claire Thomas, representing Animal Advocacy, Re: The Columbus Animal Control and Care Center: Veterinary Protocols/Practices. Cancelled 10. Mr. Jerome Williams, representing A Call to Talk-A Call to Take Action, Re: City Officials working together. Not Present 11. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: The office of the City Manager. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Surplus Property – 5 Properties on Veterans Pkwy, and 3 Scattered-Site Residential Properties Approval is requested to advertise and accept sealed bids for said properties and sell said properties in accordance with section 7-501(1) of the Columbus Charter and to authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts, agreements, and understandings related to the conveyance of City properties. Page 4 of 14 City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Property Sale - 1333 and 0 Warren Ave Approval is requested to sell city-owned property to adjacent landowners per section 7-501 paragraph 5 of the Columbus Charter and to authorize the City Manager to execute all contracts, agreements, and understandings related to the conveyance of City properties. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Premium Dial-A-Ride service by METRA Approval is requested to authorize the implementation of a Premium Dial-A-Ride service by METRA as recommended by Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc. and to begin service on a date to be determined by METRA once additional staffing has been hired and trained. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Acceptance of Property Donation Approval is requested to accept the donation of approximately 2.79 acres, Parcel 129 001 012, from RTX Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Division to the City of Columbus, Georgia for the construction of Fire Department Station 5. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Grant - Adult Drug Felony Court Approval is requested to submit an application, and if approved, accept $455,756 or as otherwise awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the operation of the Superior Court Accountability Courts from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and to amend the Multi-governmental Fund by $455,756 or as otherwise awarded. The City is required to provide a 15% cash matching funds ($68,363) to participate in this grant program. This cash match is satisfied in the salary of the current Director of Accountability Courts. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. FY24- FY25 – Solicitor General Crime Victim Assistance Grant Approval is requested to accept a Federal VOCA (Victims of Crimes Act) Grant in the amount of $57,483 or as otherwise awarded from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the Solicitor General’s Victim Assistance Program and to amend the Multi Governmental Fund (0216) to reflect these revenues and expenses. Page 5 of 14 City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. Fall Line Trace extension – Y230 Grant Funds Approval is requested to apply for, and accept if award, funding from MPO Y230 Funds to design an extension of the Fall Line Trace from Psalmond Road to the Harris County line via Grey Rock Road and amend the appropriate fund. City Manager’s Agenda #8 (A-C): Vote Result: APPROVED 8. PURCHASES A. Two (2) 2023 Ford Explorers for Columbus Fire Department – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase B. Amendment 6 for Space Planning and Programming & Design Professional Services for Columbus Consolidated Government Center Project – RFQ No. 20-0001 C. Amendment 7 for Space Planning and Programming & Design Professional Services for Columbus Consolidated Government Center Project – RFQ No. 20-0001 City Manager’s Agenda #8 (D): Withdrawn by City Manager D. Design and Construction Services for Golden Park Improvements – RFP No. 24-0019 City Manager’s Agenda #8 (E-J): Vote Result: APPROVED E. Declaration of Surplus and Trade-in of Harley Davidson Motorcycles for the Police Department F. HVAC System Replacement for Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase G. Fitness Equipment for Fire & EMS – BuyBoard Cooperative Purchase H. Replacement Glass for Jail Cell Block Windows and Dorm Windows for the Sheriff’s Office I. Additional Fiber Switch for Citizen’s Service Center for Information Technology – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase J. Network Switches and Wireless Access Points for Sheriff’s New Administration Building – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase Page 6 of 14 9. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Dragonfly Update -Becca Zajac, Executive Director, Dragonfly Trails. No Action Taken B. Elections Update - Nancy Boren, Director, Elections and Registration. No Action Taken C. City Hall Parking - Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code. No Action Taken D. Integrated Waste Update - Drale Short, Director, Public Works. No Action Taken E. Animal Control Update – Canita Johnson, Animal Control Manager, Animal Control. No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: February 13, 2024 February 14, 2024 1. Truck and Trailer Wrap Graphics for Parks and Recreation (Re-Bid) – PQ No. 24- 0002 Scope of Quote The Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is seeking quotes from qualified vendors to design, provide and install truck and trailer wrap graphics for the Parks and Recreation Department. February 16, 2024 1. On-Call Project Management Services for Capital Improvement Projects (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0023 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) invites qualified offerors to submit proposals to provide professional project management services for various capital improvement projects. Types of projects include facility, transportation, stormwater, and recreation. These services will be procured on an as-needed basis by various departments. At its sole discretion, the City reserves the right to utilize City staff for certain projects as deemed in the City’s best interest. 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. 2. Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (K-9) (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0018 Scope of RFP Page 7 of 14  The Columbus GA Police Department (CPD) is seeking proposals for the provision of Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (K-9) to assist in providing added public safety for the City of Columbus, Georgia, on an “as needed” basis. The CPD requires a vendor with the capability of providing quality and healthy canines, handler training, equipment, vehicle upfitting and full support. An initial purchase of two (2) packages is anticipated. The contract term shall be for one (1) year with the option to renew for four (4) additional twelve-month periods. February 21, 2024 1. Electric Motor Repair Services (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0024 Scope of Bid It is the intent of the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) to secure an annual contract with a vendor to provide repair services for electric motors, on an “as needed” basis. The repairs will include all single and three phase electric motors up to 150 HP to include, but not limited to, Belt-Drive A/C Blower Motors, Direct-Drive A/C Blower Motors and Water Circulators. The contract period will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. February 23, 2024 1. Veterinary Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0020 Scope of RFP Provide veterinarian services for the Columbus Animal Care and Control Center (ACCC) under the Public Works Department. The options are (A) Full-Time Licensed Veterinarian & On-Call Services, (B) Part-Time Licensed Veterinarian & On-Call Services, (C) Licensed Veterinarian Practice to provide Full Time & On-Call Services, (D) Licensed Veterinarian Practice to provide Part-Time & On-Call Services and (E) On-Call Services Only (5 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.). 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. March 1, 2024 1. Temporary Staffing for the Columbus Consolidated Government (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0006 Scope of RFP The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (the City) invites proposal submissions from qualified vendors to provide temporary staffing for various positions within the Columbus Consolidated Government on an “as needed” basis. The contract period will be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. Page 8 of 14 ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY 10. Council Memo FHWA REFERRALS: Referrals 1.30.24. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: No Action Taken 1. Notice from Suzanne Widenhouse, Chief Appraiser, Re: Update to prior notice of August 1, 2023, October 2, 2023 and December 18, 2023, Tax Abatement Agreement on 2023 Series Bonds. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken 2. Activity Report for private Probation Entities (Georgia Probation Services, Inc.) for the period: 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023. ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Jerry "Pops" Barnes from the January 30, 2024 Consent Agenda / Work Session. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the January 30, 2024 Consent Agenda / Work Session. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor R. Walker Garrett from the January 30, 2024 Consent Agenda / Work Session. Page 9 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Judy W. Thomas from the January 30, 2024 Consent Agenda / Work Session. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: RECEIVED 7. Minutes of the following boards: 457 Deferred Compensation Board, October 19, 2023 Animal Control Advisory Board, June 13, August 29, and November 9, 2023 Board of Tax Assessors, #01-23, #02-24 and #03-24 Development Authority of Columbus, December 7, 2023 Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, October 25, 2023 Planning Advisory Commission, December 6, 2023 Recreation Advisory Board, March 23, and September 28, 2022 River Valley Regional Commission, December 6, 2023 BOARD APPOINTMENTS- ACTION REQUESTED: 8. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8 (A): Nomination: Mayor Henderson nominated Robert Wadkins to serve in the expired term of Jed Harris, Jr.; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Jed Harris, Jr. (Mayor’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expired: March 1, 2023 Mayor Henderson is nominating Robert Wadkins to serve in the expired term of Jed Harris, Jr. This is a three-year term. Board meets every other month. Page 10 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8 (B): Nomination: Mayor Henderson renominated Merrill Rushin to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Merrill Rushin (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2024 Akear Mewborn (Vacant) (Mayor’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: March 1, 2022 Mayor Henderson is nominating Ms. Merrill Rushin to serve another term of office. The terms are four years. Board meets monthly. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 4 9. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda 9 (A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Ms. Angela Strange was nominated to succeed Ms. Tomeika Farley. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2027 10. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10 (A): No Action Taken Page 11 of 14  A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Mary B. Garcia (Council District 7- Cogle) Ineligible (city employee) 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 Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms. Board Meets quarterly. 11. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11 (A): No Action Taken A. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): 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 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11 (B): Nomination: Councilor Cogle nominated Michael Moore to succeed Libby Smith. Page 12 of 14  B. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Libby Smith Open for Nominations Historic District Resident (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expired: January 31, 2024 Councilor Cogle is nominating Michael Moore to succeed Libby Smith as the Historic District Resident representative. The term is three years. Meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued) 3. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Wage gap, evictions and poverty. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Pamela Moss, Re: Renovation at Golden Park. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Patricia Stephens, Re: Golden Park and all other properties within Georgia HR157. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation and personnel as requested by Assistant City Attorney Sheftall earlier in the meeting. Councilor Crabb made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by eight members present, with Mayor Pro Tem Allen and Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote, and the time being 4:16 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 4:36 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation and personnel; however, there were no votes taken. Page 13 of 14 ADD-ON RESOLUTION: City Attorney Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing a payment of $50,000 to settle all damage claims of Martavius Ford stemming from the incident which occurred on June 15, 2023, 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 Councilor Crabb to adjourn the February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Mayor Pro Tem Allen and Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote, and the time being 4:37 p.m. Page 14 of 14