Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers March 26, 2024 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 Jerry “Pops” Barnes (via teleconference), Tyson Begly (via Microsoft Teams), Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, 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 Glenn Davis was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Delta Outley, Abundant Life 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 March 12, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Tucker) 2. Proclamation: Pacelli State Championships Receiving: Corry Black- Athletic Director, St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Allen) 3. Proclamation: National Community Development Week & Community Development Block Grant Month Receiving: Rob Scott, Community Development, CCG CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCE City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 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 Article X to Chapter 4 pertaining to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. A Resolution of the Council of Columbus, Georgia (the “Council"), approving Resolutions of the Columbus Building Authority (the “Authority”); authorizing the issuance of its Series 2024 Taxable Lease Revenue Bonds in accordance with a request of the Council contained in its Resolution No. 463-23; to approve the best bid for the Series 2024 Taxable Bonds; to authorize the Mayor to transfer property to the Authority and to execute the Lease; to authorize the Mayor and other officials of Columbus to take such further actions as are necessary to provide for the issuance and delivery of the Series 2024 Taxable Bonds; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED Page 2 of 15 3. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter of support for CHIPS4CHIPS, Inc. to compete for a United Way EDA Recompete Pilot Grant which will support the presence of a semi-conductor facility and its related supply chain in the Columbus Region (Request of Chattahoochee Hub for Innovation and Production of Semiconductors Inc. “CHIPS4CHIPS ”) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Keith Parker, representing Farmington Subdivision, Re: Upcoming rezoning for 5201 Macon Road. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Karen Gaskins, representing Sears Woods Subdivision, Re: Upcoming rezoning for 5201 Macon Road. No Action Taken 3. Mr. George Mabry, representing Shenandoah Forrest Subdivision, Re: Upcoming rezoning for 5201 Macon Road. No Action Taken 4. Mr. Bryan Newman, representing Windtree Subdivision, Re: Upcoming rezoning for 5201 Macon Road. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Chloe Landreth, representing New Horizons Behavioral Health, Re: Gift to Council for Intellect and Developmental Disability Awareness Month. No Action Taken 6. Ms. Pamela Moss, Re: The removal of restrictions on South Commons. No Action Taken 7. Mr. Gregory Foster, representing Chatham Woods Subdivision, Re: Upcoming rezoning for 5201 Macon Road. Not Present 8. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Murder Count and Child Poverty. No Action Taken 9. Ms. Debbie Wooten, representing Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Columbus Animal Control Felines. No Action Taken 10. Ms. Vicki L. Edwards, Re: Stricter laws for animals. No Action Taken 11. Mrs. Sandy Gunnels, Re: The spread of Parvo. No Action Taken 12. Ms. Kenya Peachey, Re: The current trash issues as a driver with Public Works. No Action Taken 13. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: The previous meeting. No Action Taken Page 3 of 15 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Memorandum of Understanding with the Muscogee County School District Approval is requested to authorize a MOU with the Muscogee County School District for the School Zone Automated Speed Enforcement Program and also authorize RedSpeed Georgia, LLC to serve as designated point of contact with the Georgia Department of Revenue for said program. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Payments to Artists for the Sale of Goods Approval is requested to authorize a special exception to Columbus Code Section 19-36 (b) in order to process payments to artists for the sale of goods created at the Britt David Pottery Studio. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. American Rescue Plan (ARP) Affordable Housing Initiative Written Agreement Execution Approval is requested to authorize the City manager to execute written agreements for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Affordable Housing Initiative, funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Extension of the Subrecipient Agreement Approval is requested to extend the subrecipient agreement with the Columbus Department of Public Health to fund the Cure Violence Columbus Initiative for an award amount up to $500,000 to address community violence exacerbated by the pandemic. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Street Acceptance- Garrett Pines Approval is requested for the acceptance of that portion of Pine Tar Drive and that portion of Pine Straw Drive located in Section Nineteen, Garrett Pines. Page 4 of 15 City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Street Acceptance – Riegel Pointe. Approval is requested for the acceptance of Zachary Court and that portion of Woodstream Drive located in Phase Three, Riegel Pointe. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. FY2024 Exigent Vehicle Purchases Approval is requested, due to on-going supply chain issues, to make “off the lot” vehicle purchases for vehicles that have been approved as part of the budget for the remainder of FY24, with the exception of vehicles purchased using federal funds, that have been either directly awarded or passed through another entity to CCG. City Manager’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. Little League Baseball Grants Approval is requested to make available a one-time grant of up to $12,500 for each of the Baseball Youth Leagues: Pioneer, Sally, Northern, Eastern, National, Dixie, Peach, and American. This grant will cover expenses incurred by the League or individuals on behalf of the League for materials or equipment used for the maintenance and repair of city-owned fields used by the League. City Manager’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED 9. SAMHSA Grant Approval is requested to submit an application, and if approved, accept $2,000,000 or as otherwise awarded from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) for the operation of the Muscogee County Adult Drug Court from September 30, 2024, to September 29, 2029, and to amend the Multi-governmental Fund by $2,000,000 or as otherwise awarded. There is no match requirement for this program. City Manager’s Agenda #10(A-P): Vote Result: APPROVED 10. PURCHASES A. Additional Bulk Mailing Services for Various Departments – Georgia Statewide Cooperative Contract Page 5 of 15  B. One (1) 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty for the Public Works Department – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase C. Auditing Services for HUD-Entitlement Funds for the Community Reinvestment Department – RFP No. 24-0014 D. Four (4) Double-Cab Service Trucks for the Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase E. Engineering Design Services for Resurfacing of Eight (8) Streets – RFQ No. 24-0001 F. Genfare Software Support Agreement for METRA G. Upgrade/Purchase of Fast Fare Fareboxes for METRA H. Farebox Vault Upgrade for METRA I. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for METRA J. Arena Polar Deck for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase K. Telescopic Seating System for the Civic Center Arena Bowl – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase L. Quote Adjustment for the Police Department’s Video Surveillance Project M. Installation of Wooden Poles and Power Supply for the Police Department’s License Plate Reader Camera Project N. Provision and Installation of Stadium Lighting at AJ McClung Stadium for Parks and Recreation – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase O. Three (3) Tahoes for Sheriff’s Office P. Print Shop Equipment – Omnia Partners Cooperative Contract Purchase EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Three (3) Pursuit Vehicles for Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office THREE (3) PURSUIT VEHICLES FOR MUSCOGEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: On March 6, 2024, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s office notified the Finance Department and City Manager of the need to purchase three (3) pursuit vehicles required to carry out the functions of the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff cited the vehicles were desperately needed because there are deputies traveling daily across the state transporting juveniles and adults and few suitable vehicles are available. The Sheriff’s Office found available vehicles after several months of searching. Three (3) 2023 Dodge Truck Durango pursuit vehicles were purchased from Carville Chrysler Page 6 of 15 Dodge Jeep RAM (Greenville, TN) at a unit price of $46,500.00 and a total price of $139,500.00. The Sheriff’s Office located these vehicles that are available on the vendor’s lot. The City Manager approved the emergency request on March 6, 2024. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: 2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54153 – 20240. 2. Two (2) Vehicles for Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office TWO (2) VEHICLES FOR MUSCOGEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: On March 6, 2024, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s office notified the Finance Department and City Manager of the need to purchase two (2) vehicles required to carry out the functions of the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff cited the vehicles were desperately needed because there are deputies traveling daily across the state transporting juveniles and adults and few suitable vehicles are available. The Sheriff’s Office found available vehicles after several months of searching. Two vehicles were purchased from Headquarter Nissan of Columbus (Columbus, GA), one (1) 2023 Dodge Challenger at a unit price of $49,500.00, and one (1) 2022 Dodge Charger at a unit price of $43,732.00 for a total price of $93, 232.00. The Sheriff’s Office located these vehicles that are available on the vendor’s lot. The City Manager approved the emergency request on March 6, 2024. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: 2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks - Heavy Equipment/Vehicles Public Works; 0567 – 696 – 3111 – STPS – 7722 – 54153 – 20240. BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: March 26, 2024 March 29, 2024 1. Pre-Qualification for Storm Drain Rehabilitation through Internal Pipe Line Priority 1 Pipes Contract 6 – RFQ No. 24-0002 Scope of RFQ Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG) requests vendors to apply for pre-qualification to provide storm sewer rehabilitation through internal pipe lining. The initial project will include the installation of cured in-place pipe (CIPP) for approximately 5,100 feet of varying material type storm sewer pipe, ranging in size from 10-inch VCP to 60-inch CMP in diameter. Additionally, the project includes the installation of centrifugally cast cementitious or geopolymer lining (CC) for approximately 2,500 linear feet of storm sewer Page 7 of 15  pipe varying in sizes and material type from 36-inch brick to 46- inch by 72-inch CMP, located throughout Columbus. Contractors deemed prequalified by CCG will be requested to submit bids for the initial project as well as future projects for installation of CIPP or CC for rehabilitation of other portions of the storm sewer system. The length, diameter, and scope of CIPP or CC rehabilitation per Contract will be at the discretion of CCG. Minimally, CCG desires to qualify three (3) contractors. April 3, 2024 1. Confiscated Firearms for Credit or Swap – RFB No. 24-0030 Scope of RFB The Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is offering confiscated firearms for sale to a licensed firearms dealer who can issue a credit to purchase or swap for Rock River LE2020M rifles with accessories. April 5, 2024 1. Lease of Ice Rink Pro Shop (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0024 Scope of RFP The Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) seeks a qualified firm or individual to lease and operate the Ice Rink Pro Shop. The lease term will be for one (1) year, with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods. 2. Consultant for Grant Application and Construction Project Management Services – RFP No. 24-0026 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the “City”) is soliciting information about the feasibility of acquiring the services of a consultant (the “Vendor”) to develop an application for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5339(b) Discretionary – Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (or other available DOT/FTA competitive infrastructure grants for transit projects such as RAISE) on behalf of METRA Transit System (METRA). The Vendor shall advise METRA on the best grant program to pursue given the nature of the project. METRA seeks to apply for federal funding in the amount of $10,000,000 for transit campus construction, renovations, and expansion. In the event that this competitive grant is awarded to METRA, the Vendor will then serve in the role of construction management consultant for the proposed project. The intention is for a single consultant, if feasible, to guide METRA through the entire construction process. If awarded, the consultant will work in conjunction with METRA, the Engineering Department, the Inspections and Code Department, and an architect firm (developing the site schematics) in developing specifications for the subsequent construction bid. The vendor will also ensure that the development process complies with federal regulations. Page 8 of 15  Please be advised that this is phase II of the initial RFI process (Phase I). METRA has decided to proceed with a solicitation based on the responses to the Request for Information (RFI). Phase II is the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process to be administered in accordance with the procurement ordinance of the City and procurement procedures compliant with FTA C. 4220.1F and other applicable federal regulations. May 8, 2024 1. PI 0011436 Muscogee County Buena Vista Road Improvements at Spiderweb Phase II (Re-Bid) – RFB No. 24-0029 Scope of Bid Phase II of the Buena Vista Road Improvements at the Spiderweb includes the construction of two (2) bridges, one (1) of which requires Norfolk Southern permitting; construction of a roundabout at Illges Road and Aceway Drive; construction of Buena Vista Road east of the intersection with Annette Avenue, Martin Luther King Boulevard north of Brewer Elementary School, Illges Road, Lindsay Drive, Andrews Road, Morris Road and Ace Way Drive, as well as the installation of traffic signals. This Re-Bid includes an alternative for maintaining traffic throughout construction and an alternative for complete closure. Utilities were relocated in Phase I of the project. The Annette Ave. roundabout at MLK and Annette Ave. were constructed in Phase I. REFERRALS: Referrals 3.12.24 CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Email Correspondence from Contreana Pearson- Board Secretary, requesting that the seat of Dr. Jean Waguespack (Veterinarian Seat) on the Animal Control Advisory Board be declared vacant due to the lack of attendance. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Email Correspondence from Contreana Pearson- Board Secretary, requesting that the seat of Dr. Scott McDermott (Veterinarian Seat) on the Animal Control Advisory Board be declared vacant due to the lack of attendance. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED Page 9 of 15 3. Minutes of the following boards: Animal Control Advisory Board, November 9, 2023 and January 18, 2024 Building Authority of Columbus, June 29 and October 25, 2022 Civic Center Advisory Board, February 15, 2024 Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority, December 14, 2023 Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, November 15, 2023 and January 10, 2024 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 4. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATION MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Nomination: Mayor Henderson renominated Linda Hadley to serve another term; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Linda Hadley (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2024 This is a five-year term. Board meets monthly. 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Ethelyn W. Riley was nominated to succeed Mr. Raymond Culpepper. (Councilor Garrett’s nominee) Term expires: April 11, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Courtney Pierce (PAWS Humane Society Representative) was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires: April 11, 2026 Page 10 of 15 6. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Nomination: Councilor Cogle nominated Brandy Tolbert to succeed Mary B. Garcia. Vote Result: CONFIRMED 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 Councilor Cogle is nominating Ms. Brandy Tolbert to succeed Ms. Mary B. Garcia. Members appointed by Council shall serve for two-year terms and members appointed by Mayor shall serve for three-year terms. Board Meets quarterly. 7. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION – RECOMMENDATION FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCIES: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Nomination: Clerk of Council Davis stated the Uptown Business Improvement District has submitted Rachel Kelly to fill the vacant seat; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. UPTOWN FACADE BOARD: Cesar Bautista Open for Nominations Uptown Business Improv. Dist Rep. (Council’s Appointment) Seat declared vacant Term Expires: October 31, 2026 Uptown Business Improvement District is recommending Ms. Rachel Kelly to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Cesar Bautista. Page 11 of 15  This is a three-year term. Board meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 8 Senatorial District 29: 3 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): No Action Taken A. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Rev. Curtis West Open for Nominations Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Bd Rep. (Council’s Appointment) No longer a resident of Muscogee County Term Expired: January 31, 2024 In accordance with Ordinance 24-012, this seat is slated for a member serving on the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Thomas renominated Geniece Granville, Travis Chambers, Selvin Hollingsworth, and Charles Sheffield to serve another term. Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Doug Jenkins to succeed Heath Schondelmayer. B. DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Geniece Granville Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2024 Travis Chambers- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2024 Selvin Hollingsworth- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2024 Page 12 of 15  Charles Sheffield- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2024 Heath Schondelmayer Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2024 The terms are four years. Meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): No Action Taken C. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Cynthia Williams Jordan Open for Nominations Seat declared vacant (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: November 14, 2024 *The Council submits three (3) nominees to the Hospital Authority for each seat and the Hospital Authority selects the successor for Council’s confirmation. The term is three years. Board meets monthly with the exception of November and December. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(D): Nomination: Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Natalie McDowell to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Shanita Pettaway. D. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Page 13 of 15  Dr. Shanita Pettaway Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 5) (Council’s Appointment) Resigned Term Expired: December 31, 2022 Mayor Pro Tem Allen is nominating Ms. Natalie McDowell to fill the expired term of Dr. Shanita Pettaway. The term is three years. Board meets monthly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 PUBLIC AGENDA - Continued (3 Additional Minutes): 9. Ms. Debbie Wooten, representing Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Columbus Animal Control Felines. 11. Mrs. Sandy Gunnels, Re: The spread of Parvo. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of personnel, litigation, and potential litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay earlier in the meeting. Councilor Tucker made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilors Barnes and Begly being absent for the vote, Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, and the time being 8:15 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:33 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel, litigation, and potential litigation; however, there were no votes taken. ADD-ON RESOLUTION: City Attorney Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution whereas, the Columbus, Georgia Board of Tax Assessors and Elizabeth D. Heard have finalized a settlement agreement for the cases of Board of Tax Assessors v. Heard (SU 2023- CV-002485 and SU 2023-CV-001220) covering tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023. 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 March 26, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by the six members present, with Councilors Barnes, Begly and Thomas being absent for the vote, Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, and the time being 9:35 p.m. Page 15 of 15