Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers June 11, 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 (Councilor District 1 Seat – Vacant) and Councilors Tyson Begly, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis (arrived at 9:06 a.m.), R. Walker Garrett, Bruce Huff (arrived at 9:15 a.m.) and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Sandra T. Davis, and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore. ABSENT: Councilor Toyia Tucker was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Reverand Marcus Gibson, Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist 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 June 4, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING: 9:00 a.m. The budget tentatively adopted by the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, requires a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia Law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this increase. ______________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Councilor Davis arrived at 9:06 a.m. and Councilor Huff arrived at 9:15 a.m. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: DELAYED until all ten seats on Council are filled and the sponsor is changed from Councilor Begly to Councilor Garrett. 1. 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. (continued on 2nd Reading due to inconclusive vote) (Councilor Begly) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading- An ordinance adopting an operating and capital improvement budget for the Fiscal Year 2025 beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget; and for other purposes. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- An ordinance adopting non-operating budgets for the fiscal year 2024 beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: ADOPTED Page 2 of 11 4. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia General Government Employees’ Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: ADOPTED 5. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for the governmental contributions to the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: ADOPTED 6. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for Government funding of a Major Disability Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: ADOPTED 7. 2nd Reading- An ordinance providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: ADOPTED 8. 2nd Reading- An ordinance amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by updating certain fees and the guidelines for an offset to the residential rate for low-income households; and for other purposes. (Budget Review Committee) City Attorney’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: ADOPTED 9. 2nd Reading- An ordinance adopting new permit fees for Building Code inspections in Section 8-14.4 of the Columbus Code; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #10: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 10. 1st Reading- An ordinance providing for the establishment of taxing districts, including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such districts for the year 2024 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes. (Budget Review Committee) Page 3 of 11 PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Simi Barnes, Re: A message from her late father, Jerry “Pops” Barnes and (2) The appointment of the District 1 Councilor. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Clairmont Barnes, Jr., representing the Barnes Family, Re: A message from his late father, Jerry “Pops” Barnes and (2) The appointment of the District 1 Councilor. No Action Taken 3. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Construction on 13th Avenue. Not present at this point in the meeting. 4. Mr. Adrian Chester, IMA (Inter Denominational Ministerial Alliance), Re: Lack of representation for City Council District 1. No Action Taken 5. Mr. Mark Lawrence, IMA (Inter Denominational Ministerial Alliance), Re: Questions about the recent external audit. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. TSPLOST Projects, Band 2 Approval is requested to proceed with executing and funding the preconstruction requirements for Band 2 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) Projects that will be handled locally to include right of way acquisition, permanent and temporary construction easements, utility relocation, environmental mitigation and other necessary agreements to prepare projects for construction. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. GDOT/Norfolk Southern Agreement for 9th Street Crossing Improvements Approval is requested to enter into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Norfolk Southern Railroad to upgrade the crossing at 9th Street and Veterans Parkway. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED Page 4 of 11 3. Gateway Foundation Agreement Approval is requested to enter into an agreement with Gateway Foundation to obtain the proper permits from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and have the letters changed accordingly to Fort Moore prior to July 10 on the Gateway Structure at the I-185/Fort Moore interchange. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Lease of Equipment for City Golf Courses Approval is requested to approve the lease of 41 golf cars for use at Oxbow Creek Golf Course and 6 golf cars for use at Godwin Creek Golf Course. The golf cars will replace the existing fleet that are at the end of their lease term. This is a budgeted expense. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Georgia Fund I Investment Pool Signatory Update Approval is requested to update the signatories for the City at the “Georgia Fund I” Investment Pool which is operated by the state Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Columbus Civic Center: Donation Acceptance Approval is requested to accept financial donations in support of our Juneteenth event celebration. City Manager’s Agenda #7(A-D): Vote Result: APPROVED 7. PURCHASES A. Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling Services (Re-Bid) (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24- 0031 B. Amendment 18 for Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for Columbus Government Center Complex – RFQ No. 20-0002 C. Grapple Truck Repair for Public Works D. Tables for Outdoor Pools for Parks and Recreation – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract Purchase Page 5 of 11  PURCHASES INFORMATION ONLY: 1. Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 106-24 1. ONE (1) 2024 FORD EXPLORER FOR PUBLIC WORKS On May 31, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR 4x2 for the Public Works 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 $43,890.00. The vehicle will be used by Administrative Staff in the performance of Infrastructure duties. This is a new vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Public Works – Public Works – Light Trucks; 0101-260-1000-PSDR-7722. 2. ONE (1) 2024 CHEVROLET TAHOE FOR MUSCOGEE COUNTY PRISON On May 31, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe for the Muscogee County Prison 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 $75,928.00. The vehicle will be used by the Muscogee County Prison for transportation to and from training, off-site training commonly hosted out-of-town. This is a replacement vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: LOST-Public Safety – Muscogee County Prison – Public Safety-LOST - Automobiles; 0102-420-9900-LOST-7721. 3. ONE (1) 2024 FORD 350 15-PASSENGER TRANSIT VAN On May 31, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford 350 15-Passenger Transit Van for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24. The vehicle will be purchased from Brannen Motors (Unadilla, GA) at a unit price of $58,000.00. The vehicle will be used by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office to transport inmates. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: 2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks; 0567-696-3111-STIF-7722. 4. TWO (2) 2024 FORD 350 15-PASSENGER TRANSIT VANS On May 31, 2024, a purchase order was executed for two (2) 2024 Ford 350 15-Passenger Transit Vans for the Parks and Recreation Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24. Page 6 of 11  The vehicles will be purchased from Brannen Motors (Unadilla, GA) at a unit price of $58,000.00 each and a total cost of $116,000.00. The vehicles will be used by Parks and Recreation staff to transport program participants. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: 2021 Sales Tax Project Fund – 2021 SPLOST – 21 SPLOST Public Safety – Light Trucks; 0567-696-3111-STIF-7722. 8. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Police Department Briefing - Stoney Mathis, Chief, Columbus Police Department. No Action Taken REFERRALS: CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION – A resolution excusing Councilor Toyia Tucker from the June 11, 2024 Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: Forward request to the Board of Honor. 2. Honorary Designation Application submitted by Dr. Frank Brown to rename the Double Churches Pool in honor of Miss Joni Ressmeyer. (The Council may vote to forward the application to the Board of Honor.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, #17-24 Budget Review Committee, May 14, 2024 Development Authority of Columbus, April 4, 2024 Page 7 of 11 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 4. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Garrett nominated Lauren Robinson as the District 8 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED Lauren Robinson to represent District 8 on the Youth Advisory Council. A. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 2 Nominee: _____________ District 5 Nominee: District 4 Nominee: _____________ District 8 Nominee: ______________ 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): No Action Taken A. COLUMBUS AQUATICS COMMISSION: 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. Page 8 of 11  Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb nominated Leasa Hastings to succeed Pamela Green Thomas as an At-Large Member and Pamela Green Thomas to succeed Eddie Florence as a Senatorial District 15 Representative. B. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: David Houser Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) (SD-15 Representative) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Pamela Green Thomas- Interested in serving Open for Nominations 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 Councilor Crabb is nominating Pamela Green Thomas to serve another term; however, she would serve in the seat of Eddie Florence as the SD-15 Representative. Councilor Crabb is nominating Leasa Hastings for the At-Large Representative seat of Pamela Green Thomas. These are three-year terms. Meets every even month. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 Page 9 of 11 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(C): No Action Taken C. REGION 6 REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Christopher Posey Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 These are three-year terms. Meets every other month beginning in January. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 2 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 3. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Construction on 13th Avenue. No Action Taken 1. Ms. Simi Barnes, Re: A message from her late father, Jerry “Pops” Barnes and (2) The appointment of the District 1 Councilor. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Clairmont Barnes, Jr., representing the Barnes Family, Re: A message from his late father, Jerry “Pops” Barnes and (2) The appointment of the District 1 Councilor. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of personnel, real estate acquisition, litigation, and potential litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay earlier in the meeting. Councilor Garrett made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilor Tucker being absent for the meeting, and the time being 12:23 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Councilor Crabb left the meeting during the Executive Session at 12:57 p.m. Page 10 of 11 The Regular Meeting reconvened at 1:08 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel, real estate acquisition, litigation, and potential litigation; however, there were no votes taken. ADD-ON RESOLUTION: City Attorney’s Agenda Add-On Item: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing payment of $100,000 to settle all damage claims of Angel King 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 Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the June 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilor Crabb being absent for the vote and Councilor Tucker being absent from the meeting with the time being 1:09 p.m. Page 11 of 11