Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers June 18, 2024 Muscogee County School Board Chambers- Public Education Center 9:00 AM 2960 Macon Road, 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, R. Walker Garrett (arrived at 9:01 a.m.), Bruce Huff 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. ABSENT: Councilor Judy W. Thomas was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Lynn Meadows-White with the Methodist Children’s Home 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 11, 2024, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATION: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Tucker) 2. Proclamation: Juneteenth Celebration Receiving: Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin PRESENTATION: Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken 3. Development Authority Update (Presented by Jerald Mitchell, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce.) RESOLUTION: Mayor’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. A resolution expressing deep appreciation to Tyson Begly for his dedicated service to the Columbus Council and the citizens of Columbus, Georgia as the District 10 representative. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd 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) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 2. 1st Reading- REZN-06-23-0113: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1720, 1728, 1730, 1744 Warm Springs Road and 1818 Spring Circle (parcel # 036-013-002/036-013-003/036-013-004/036-013-005/036-013-007/036-013-008) from Page 2 of 12  Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- REZN-03-24-0630: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3711 Hamilton Road (parcel # 030-019-011) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 2 (RMF 2) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-03-24-5716: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 5617 Eastside Drive (parcel # 083-014-019) from Single Family Residential -1 (SFR1) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Crabb) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-04-24-0767: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 5470 Schatulga Road (parcel # 111-015-027) from Light Manufacturing/Industrial (LMI) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 6. 1st Reading- Public Hearing: An ordinance renewing Business Improvement Districts in Columbus, Georgia through December 31, 2034; and for other purposes. (continued form 6- 4-24) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 7. 1st Reading- An ordinance providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #8: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 8. 1st Reading- An ordinance to amend Article VIII of Chapter 14 of the Columbus to revise certain requirements on businesses that offer Class B Coin Operated Amusement Machines on their premises; and for other purposes. (Councilors Huff, Cogle and Tucker) Page 3 of 12 City Attorney’s Agenda #9: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 9. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for General Government Employees, and the Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for Employees of the Department of Public Safety (collectively, the “Plans”) to address the treatment of retirees in pay status who are thereafter appointed or elected to the Columbus Council. (Councilor Davis) RESOLUTION City Attorney’s Agenda #10: Vote Result: APPROVED 10. A Resolution authorizing payment of attorney fees which may be incurred for legal services rendered regarding various city issues during fiscal year 2025. (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Ruiz Jose, Re: Information on the elimination of parking minimums and elimination of zoning codes for rent and housing affordability. Not Present 2. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: The Columbus Charter. No Action Taken 3. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: Free speech, Charter and Council District 1 appointment. No Action Taken 4. Mrs. Kathy Tanner, Re: Concerns at CACC. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Risk Management Legal Services Approval is requested for payment of fees for the legal services rendered regarding Risk Management issues for Fiscal Year 2025. Page 4 of 12 City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. GEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant Approval is requested for the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $50,000, or as otherwise awarded, with a $50,000 in-kind local match required from GEMA/HS to the Columbus Consolidated Government. The match will be met by the budgeted personnel costs in department budget 450 - Homeland Security. No additional matching funds will be needed. The grant funds will be used to reimburse the general fund. City Manager’s Agenda #3 (A-I): Vote Result: APPROVED 3. PURCHASES A. Swim Gear and Lifeguard Accessories (Re-Bid) (Annual Contract) (Re-Bid) (Annual Contract) RFB NO. 24-0035 B. Motorcycle with Accessories for Columbus Police Department C. Audio-Visual System for Homeland Security and Emergency Management D. Mold Removal and Remediation Services E. Milo Range Compact Theater Firearms Training Simulator for the Sheriff’s Office - Federal GSA Cooperative Purchase F. Consulting Services to Assess the Cybersecurity Posture - Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase G. Forensic Software for the Sheriff’s Office H. Bucket Truck for Engineering Department - Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase I. Fitness Equipment for the Sheriff’s Office New Administrative Facility - Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Information Only: Emergency Purchase FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE On May 11, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office notified Finance of the need to purchase Facial Recognition Software by May 15, 2024, in order to meet a grant deadline. Page 5 of 12 On May 12, 2024, the Finance Director requested an emergency purchase on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office due to the Exigent circumstances. The City Manager approved the emergency purchase on May 12, 2024. The purchase was made from Clearview.AI (New York, NY). The total cost of the software is $88,749.00. The first of three payments in the amount of $29,583.00 was due by May 15, 2024, for the initial term start date. The second payment will be due on the 1st anniversary and the last payment will be due on the 2nd anniversary. The Sheriff’s Office will use the software for investigative purposes. The purchase is funded as follows: Multi-Government Project Fund – Sheriff – Georgia Gang Activity Prosecution Grant – Computer Software; 0216 – 550 – 3021 – GGAP – 6713. PURCHASES INFORMATION ONLY: 1. Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 106-24 1. ONE (1) 2024 FORD TRANSIT 350 15P-PASSENGER VAN On June 3, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Transit 350 15-Passenger Van for the Engineering Department 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 Stormwater Staff to facilitate some of their EPD requirements. This is a replacement vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: Sewer (Stormwater) Fund – Engineering – Stormwater – Light Trucks; 0202-250-2600-STRM-7722. 2. ONE (1) 2024 FORD EXPLORER On June 10, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer XLT for the Information Technology 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 $44,911.00. The vehicle will be used by Information Technology staff to go to various Departments for repair requests. This is a new vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Information Technology – Information Technology – Light Trucks; 0101-210-1000-ISS-7722. 3. ONE (1) 2024 FORD EXPLORER On June 10, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Ford Explorer XLT for the Information Technology Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 106-24. Page 6 of 12 The vehicle will be purchased from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $43,109.00. The vehicle will be used by Information Technology staff to go to various Departments for repair requests. This is a new vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Information Technology – Information Technology – Light Trucks; 0101-210-1000-ISS-7722. 4. ONE (1) 2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO On June 17, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 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 $69,975.00. The vehicle will be used by Traffic Engineering as a paint and maintenance vehicle. This is a new vehicle. Funds are budgeted in the FY24 Budget: General Fund – Engineering Department – Traffic Engineering– Light Trucks; 0101-250-2100-TRAF-7722. 4. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. Parks & Recreation Update - Holli Browder, Director, Parks & Recreation. No Action Taken B. Jail Update - Drale Short, Director, Public Works, Doug Kleppin/Shane Clark, SLAM Collaborative, Henry Painter, Gilbane Building Company, Doug Shaw, Jericho Design Group, LLC, Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning, and Development. No Action Taken C. Revenue Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. No Action Taken MUSCOGEE COUNTY JAIL: Councilor Davis made a motion to budget up to $6,000,000.00 to fund the first phase of remediation for the Muscogee County Jail, seconded by Councilor Crabb and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilor Cogle being absent for the vote, and Councilor Thomas being absent from the meeting. Page 7 of 12 CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION – A resolution excusing Councilor Judy Thomas from the June 18, 2024 Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: Forward request to the Board of Honor. 2. Honorary Designation Application submitted by Mr. Jason Crowson and Ms. Stephanie Callahan to place a stone with bronze plaque and a marble bench at Godwin Creek Golf Course in honor of Mr. Richard Callahan, Sr. (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, #18-24 Columbus Golf Course Authority, June 4, 2024 Land Bank Authority, May 8, 2024 Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, March 14, & May 9, 2024 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): No Action Taken A. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 2 Nominee: _____________ District 5 Nominee: District 4 Nominee: _____________ Page 8 of 12 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: Ms. Pamela Green Thomas was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Eddie Florence as the SD-15 Representative. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: Ms. Leasa Hastings was nominated to the At-Large seat that was formerly held by Ms. Pamela Green Thomas. (Ms. Pamela Green Thomas was moved to the vacant SD-15 seat). (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2027 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(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 Page 9 of 12  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 #6(B): Nomination: Clerk of Council Davis stated Councilor Cogle is nominating Mike Johnson to fill the unexpired term of Libby Smith. B. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Libby Smith Open for Nominations (Historic District Resident Seat) (Council’s Appointment) Not eligible to succeed Term Expires: January 31, 2025 Councilor Cogle is nominating Mr. Mike Johnson to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Libby Smith as the Historic District Resident. The term is three years. Meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(C): Nomination: Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated David Houser to serve another term. C. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: David Houser- Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) (SD-15 Representative) Term Expires: June 30, 2024 Page 10 of 12  The term is three years. Board meets February, April, June, August, October and December of each year. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(D): Nomination: Clerk of Council Davis stated Councilor Cogle is nominating Jennifer LeDenney to succeed Christopher Posey. D. 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 Councilor Cogle is nominating Ms. Jennifer LeDenney to succeed Mr. Christopher Posey. The term is three years. Meets every other month beginning in January. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 2 COUNCIL HEARINGS: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED refund of penalties and interest in the amount of $618.30 7. Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest on property tax as submitted by Mr. Murray R. Jones for property located in Columbus, Georgia. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED refund of penalties and interest in the amount of $3,279.66 Page 11 of 12 8. Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest on property tax as submitted by Mr. Kenneth Harris for property located in Columbus, Georgia. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED refund of penalties in the amount of $1,408.79 9. Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest on property tax as submitted by Ms. Ebonee Bryant for property located in Columbus, Georgia. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of property acquisition as requested by Councilor Davis. Councilor Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilor Cogle being absent for the vote, Councilor Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 1:41 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 1:50 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of property acquisition; however, there were no votes taken. PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 2. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: The Columbus Charter. No Action Taken 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 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilor Cogle being absent for the vote, Councilor Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 1:54 p.m. Page 12 of 12