Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers May 28, 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 (Councilor District 1 Seat – Vacant) and Councilors Tyson Begly, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis (arrived at 5:33 p.m.), R. Walker Garrett (via teleconference), 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. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Paul Thomas, Evangel Temple of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the May 14, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATION: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Allen) 2. Proclamation: Foster Care Awareness Month Receiving: Shawna Love, Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVE NOMINATION ADD-ON ITEM: Vote Result: Appointment of Byron Hickey to fill the unexpired term of the late Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes as the City Council District 1 Representative. BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE 1. FY2025 ADD-DELETE LIST: Chairperson Judy W. Thomas, Presiding Officer ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #3 - (Non-Departmental) Add Setup Project to Implement Animal Care/Training Program for $300,000 (0.45 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #4 – (Muscogee County Prison) Add $2,500 Base Pay Increase for MCP Sworn Officers for $346,920 (0.52 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #5 – (Sheriff) Add $5,000 Base Pay Increase for Sheriff’s Department Sworn Officers for $1,889,475 (2.85 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #6 – (Fire/EMS) Add $2,500 Base Pay Increase for Fire/EMS Sworn Officers for $1,235,902 (1.86 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #14 – (Clerk of Superior Court) Add 2 Senior Deputy Clerk G117 Positions for $100,780 (0.15 General Fund Balance Days: Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #15 – (Clerk of Superior Court) Substitute Add 3 Deputy Clerk II G115 Positions for $141,294: Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #24 – (Sheriff) Add $150,000 for Legal Fees (0.23 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED Page 2 of 14 ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #26 – (City Manager) Delete Marketing Coordinator for $66,988 (0.10 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #27 – (Public Works) Delete Communications Officer for $44,782 (0.07 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #28 – Delete Oxbow Creek Golf Subsidy $100,000 (0.15 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: FAILED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #29 – (Tax Assessors) Delete 2 Tax Appraisal Technicians for $89,564 (0.13 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #30 – (Tax Commissioner) Delete Technical Support Analyst for $64,810 (0.10 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #31 – (Tax Commissioner) Delete Career Ladder Adjustments for Tax Clerks for $6,125 (0.01 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #32 – (Tax Commissioner) Delete Reclass for Administrative Operations Manager for $8,127 (0.01 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD/DELETE LIST (General Fund) Item #21 – (Public Works) Substitute Add back to budget 1 Cruelty Investigator, 3 Animal Control Officers and all operational costs for Investigator for $196,526 (0.30 General Fund Balance Days): Vote Result: APPROVED CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 1) 1118 Broadway (Mary C Wohlwender, Owner) 2) 1120 Broadway (Mary C Wohlwender, Owner) Page 3 of 14  and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Department in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Continued on 2nd Reading from 4-23-24.) (Mayor Pro- Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: INCONCLUSIVE 2. 2nd 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 #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- Adoption of an ordinance listing the roadways approved for use of speed detection devices (radar) on all GDOT Routes and non-GDOT Routes in Columbus-Muscogee County. (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: A decrease in Crime Prevention Grants. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: HB404 enforcement, renters’ rights. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Acquisition of Property for Fire/EMS Department Administration Approval is requested to execute a Purchase and Sales Agreement for approximately 2.52 acres, including the property at 1112 Veterans Parkway, upon satisfactory completion of all due diligence and contingent upon the removal of easements on the parcel. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Uptown Tax Allocation District Fund Grant – Riverfront Place, LLC, Affiliate of WC Bradley Co. Real Estate, LLC Page 4 of 14 Approval is requested to enter into an agreement with Riverfront Place, LLC, an affiliate of W.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate, LLC, to provide Uptown Tax Allocation District (TAD) funds for infrastructure improvements and financing to develop the Riverfront Place mixed-use development at 1300 Front Avenue. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Ignite Pro Hockey, L.L.C. Agreement Approval is requested to enter into a five-year Agreement with Ignite Pro Hockey, L.L.C. effective May 1, 2025. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Marathon First Responder Grant Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 or as otherwise awarded from the Marathon Community Investment Programs. There are no matching funds required. City Manager’s Agenda #5(A-I): Vote Result: APPROVED 5. PURCHASES A. General Contractor Services and Housing Inspection Services for the Community Redevelopment Department (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0012 B. Contract Extension for Temporary Staffing for the Civic Center and Other City Departments (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 17-0021 C. One (1) 2024 Silverado 2500HD 2WD Double Cab for Engineering Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase D. Two (2) Toro RM3100 Reel Mowers for Parks and Recreation – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase E. One (1) 2023 Ford T350 LR Passenger Van XL for Parks and Recreation – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase F. One (1) 2023 Ford T350 LR Passenger Van XL for Parks and Recreation – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase G. E911 Dispatch Consoles for Police Department – HGACBUY Cooperative Contract Purchase H. First-In Alerting Smart Station System for Fire & EMS – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase Page 5 of 14  I. One (1) 2024 Ford F-150 Police Pursuit Rated Pick-Up Truck for Muscogee County Prison – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase INFORMATION ONLY: EXIGENT “OFF THE LOT” VEHICLE PURCHASES – RESOLUTION NO. 106-24 1. ONE (1) 2024 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN FOR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT On May 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Chevrolet Suburban for the Engineering Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24. The vehicle will be purchased from Sons Chevrolet (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $75,413.00. The vehicle will be used by Survey Crews from the Engineering Department who survey City property and right-of-ways. This is a replacement vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: Sewer (Stormwater) Fund – Engineering Department – Highways and Roads – Light Trucks; 0203-250-2200-STRM-7721. 2. ONE (1) 2024 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4DR 4x2 FOR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT On May 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer for the Engineering Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24. The vehicle will be purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $40,000. The vehicle will be used by the Engineering Department’s Traffic Operations Supervisor to visit work sites for signal/sign shop. This is a replacement vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Engineering Department – Traffic Engineering – Light Trucks; 0101-250-2100-TRAF-7722. 6. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. School Zone Camera Update (Public and Private Schools) - Greg Countryman, Sheriff, Sheriff’s Department and Clyde Dent, Deputy Chief Bureau of Patrol Services, Columbus Police Department. No Action Taken B. Tax Assessors Update - Suzanne Widenhouse, Chief Appraiser, Muscogee Board of Assessors. No Action Taken C. Home Accessibility Rehabilitation Program (HARP) Update - Robert Scott, Director, Community Reinvestment. No Action Taken Page 6 of 14  D. Inspections and Code Update - Permit Fee Change - Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code. No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: May 28, 2024 May 29, 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: CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: RECEIVED 1. Minutes of the following boards: Airport Commission, April 24, 2024 Board of Health, April 24, 2024 Board of Tax Assessors, # 15-24, and # 16-24 Board of Water Commissioners, May 13, 2024 Convention & Visitors, Board of Commissioners, March 20, and April 17, 2024 Page 7 of 14 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 2. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2(A): No Action Taken A. PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Crystal Shahid (Mayor’s Appointment) (Business Community) Does not desire reappointment Term Expires: June 30, 2024 This is a four-year term. Board meets monthly. 3. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES: Ms. Jennifer Melvin was nominated to serve another term of office in the Former Foster Parent seat. (Councilor Tucker’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2029 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. COLUMBUS AQUATICS COMMISSION: Mr. Donald W. Hoffman was nominated to serve another term of office. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. REGION 6 REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Ms. Marianne Young was nominated to serve another term of office. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(D): Vote Result: CONFIRMED D. REGION 6 REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Mr. Christopher Smith was nominated to serve another term of office. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2027 Page 8 of 14 4. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Nomination: Councilor Huff nominated Tracy Walton-King to fill the vacant seat of the District 3 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Tracy Walton-King. A. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION: Saundra Ellison (Council District 3- Huff) Seat Declared vacant Term Expires: March 27, 2024 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Huff nominated Kyana Ramos for District 3 and Councilor Thomas nominated Amy Recinos-Agular for District 9; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Kyana Ramos and Amy Recinos-Agular. B. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 2 Nominee: _____________ District 5 Nominee: District 3 Nominee: _____________ District 8 Nominee: ______________ District 4 Nominee: _____________ District 9 Nominee: Amy Recinos-Agular 5. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION – RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCY OR BOARDS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED the nomination of Arreasha Z. Lawrence as recommended by the Chairperson of the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board. 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 Page 9 of 14  The Chairperson of the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board is recommending Arreasha Z Lawrence to fill the seat of Rev. Curtis West. In accordance with Ordinance 24-012, this seat is slated for a member serving on the Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board. 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT- VOTE TABULATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Vote Tabulation: Karen Stewart received 3 votes and Stephanie Leohr received 6 votes; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Stephanie Leohr to succeed Richard Wright on the Columbus Golf Course Authority. A. COLUMBUS GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY: Richard Wright Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Ms. Karen Stewart for the seat of Richard Wright. Councilor Crabb nominated Ms. Stephanie Leohr for the seat of Richard Wright. 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Nomination: Councilor Huff renominated Jensen Melton to serve another term on the Columbus Aquatics Commission. A. COLUMBUS AQUATICS COMMISSION: Jensen Melton- Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Page 10 of 14  Timothy Crabb Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Richard Leary Open for Nominations Cols. Hurricane Rep. (Council’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Janet Bussey Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Bruce Samuels Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2022 These are two-year terms. Board meets quarterly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Huff renominated Richard Mahone and James Houston, Jr. to serve another term on the Columbus Golf Course Authority. B. COLUMBUS GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY: Richard Mahone - Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 James Houston, Jr. - Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 These are four-year terms. Board meets monthly. *Note: There are no women currently serving on this board. Page 11 of 14  Women: 0 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 6 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): Vote Result: Forward the names of Mike Mayhew, Bob Jones and Tracy Sayers as nominees for the vacant seat of Betty Tatum on the Hospital Authority of Columbus. C. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Betty Tatum Open for Nominations Resigned (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: November 14, 2025 The following nominees would be forwarded to the Hospital Authority of Columbus: Mr. Mike Mayhew, Mr. Bob Jones and Mr. Tracy Sayers. *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: 1 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(D): Nomination(s): Councilor Tucker nominated Kara Brakefield to succeed Tracy Walton-King as an At-Large Member and Skyler Dexter to fill the vacant seat of the SD-29 Representative on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. D. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: David Houser Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) (SD-15 Representative) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Page 12 of 14  Pamela Green Thomas Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) (At-Large Member) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Tracy Walton-King Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) (At-Large Member) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Eddie Florence Open for Nominations (Resigned) (Council’s Appointment) (SD-15 Representative) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 VACANT Open for Nominations (SD-29 Representative) (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 These are three-year terms. Meets every even month. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued) 1. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: A decrease in Crime Prevention Grants. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of acquisition and disposal of real estate 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 Tucker and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with the time being 8:28 p.m. (Clerk of Council Davis confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Garrett.) Page 13 of 14 The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:50 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of acquisition and disposal of real estate; 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 May 28, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with the time being 8:50 p.m. (Clerk of Council Davis confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Garrett.) Page 14 of 14