Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Muscogee County School Board Chambers July 23, 2024 Public Education Center 5:30 PM 2960 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, 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 Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Toyia Tucker. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Sandra T. Davis, Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk Pro Tem Tameka Colbert. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Carole Collins of International Friendship Ministries, Inc. of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the July 9, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: DELAYED for 30-days 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-05-24-0918: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1953 7th Avenue (parcel # 016-025-001) from Residential Office (RO) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District with Conditions. (Planning Department Recommends Approval with conditions. PAC recommends denial.) (as amended) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: DELAYED for 30-days 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. (continued on 2nd Reading from 6-11- 24 and 7-9-24) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- An ordinance to revise and clarify certain provisions of Article XIII of Chapter 20 of the Columbus Code to revise and update provisions relating to parking management districts and enforcement areas; and for other purposes. (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-03-24-0635: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 8877 Veterans Parkway (parcel # 079-001-006) from Residential Estate 1 (RE1) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department recommends approval and PAC recommends conditional approval.) (Councilor Davis) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-04-24-0772: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 2601 Courtland Ave and 6250, 6214, 0 Forrest Road (parcel # 114-001-008/7, 114-001-002, 113-002-008) from Single Family Residential -3 (SFR3) Zoning District to Single Family Residential -4 (SFR4) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval) (Councilor Tucker) Page 2 of 15 City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 6. 1st Reading- An ordinance adopting new pay rates for the Civic Center temporary labor pool positions for the Consolidated Government and amending Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Ordinance No. 24-027; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Cody Collyer, representing Revolution Project, Re: Inquiries about the additions that will be made to the Muscogee County Jail. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, Re: Dispossessory, Evictions and Government Center restrictions. No Action Taken 3. Mrs. Claire Thomas, representing Animal Advocacy, Re: The importance of microchipping your pets. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Allie Johnson, representing Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Treatment of animals at Columbus Animal Care & Control. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Debbie Wooten, Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Animal welfare within our community. No Action Taken 6. Ms. Robina Forrand, Re: Practice and procedures of animal care facilities. No Action Taken 7. Mrs. Debbie Mayhew, Re: Columbus Animal Control Center. No Action Taken Vote Result: APPROVED request for a formal investigation by the Columbus Police Department with a report of their findings and if there is a finding of violations by the employees involved that they should be placed on administrative leave. CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Easement Abandonment - 1024 Timber Creek Way Approval is requested for abandonment of a 20 ft wide portion of an existing storm sewer, drainage, utility, and spoil area easement on Lot 11, Block B, Section 5, Timber Creek Subdivision; authorize the disposal of the said easements with applicable State Law; reserving access for utilities and for other purposes. Page 3 of 15 City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Georgia Bureau of Investigation Memorandum of Understanding Approval is requested to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and lease office space for their operations in Columbus, GA for a Gang Task Force (GTF). City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Center, Inc. Approval is requested to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Center, Inc. d/b/a Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown in order to meet the eligibility requirements to buy discounted outpatient drugs under Section 340B of the Public Health Services Act City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Georgia Medicaid Fee for Service – Ground Ambulance Upper Payment Limit – Supplemental Payment Program Approval is requested to participate in the Georgia Medicaid Fee for Service Upper Payment Limit Supplemental Payment Program and authorize the payment via intergovernmental transfer (IGT) to the State of Georgia, as required, based on formula calculations performed by the Department of Community Health (DCH). City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. FY25 Public Defender Contract Approval is requested to enter into an agreement for Indigent Defense Services between Circuit Public Defender Office of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Muscogee County in the amount of $2,742,257 from July 2024 to June 2025 and authorize payment to Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC) for $1,917,889 and for $95,894., 5% administrative fee (GPDSC payment is included in the total amount of $2,742,257); authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager to have signature authority. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Execution of Quitclaim Deed for 5013 13th Ave. Approval is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute a quitclaim deed for 5013 13th Avenue. City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED Page 4 of 15 7. Variance to Waive Permit Fees Approval is requested to waive the Department of Engineering permit fees as requested by the Airport Director for the Runway 6-24 project in accordance with Columbus Code Section 2-18.4.1. City Manager’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. BJA FY24 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office – Office of Justice Programs – Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for funds to purchase body-worn cameras for the Sheriff’s Office, in the amount of $300,000., or as otherwise awarded, with a 100% cash or in-kind match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #9: Vote Result: APPROVED 9. Adoption of the 2024-2029 Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval is requested for the adoption of the 2024-2029 Hazard Mitigation Plan as requested by the city council so that the adoption and draft plan can then be sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for formal approval. City Manager’s Agenda #10: Vote Result: APPROVED 10. Risk and Safety Day Donations Approval is requested to accept financial donations from businesses and organizations to offset Risk Management's cost to host a full-day Risk and Safety Day Community Event at Lakebottom Park. City Manager’s Agenda #11(A-F): Vote Result: APPROVED 11. PURCHASES A. Change Order 2 – Warm Springs Road Culvert Project B. Baker Center Driveway Project – RFB No. 24-0039 C. Bus Route Signs & Poles (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 24-0036 D. Dodge Chargers for Muscogee County Prison – BuyBoard Cooperative Purchase E. Declaration of Surplus and Donation of Three (3) Vehicles F. Vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office – Buyboard Cooperative Purchase Page 5 of 15 12. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS: A. Finance Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. DELAYED EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Information Only: Emergency Purchase MEDIA SERVICES FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE On July 15, 2024, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s office notified the City Manager of an urgent deadline to pay for Media Services by Friday, July 19, 2024. Media services were provided by WRBL, in the amount of $20,700.00, and WTVM in the amount of $39,000.00, for a total cost of $59,700.00. The Sheriff’s Office was approved a grant from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Grant in its mission to eliminate injuries and fatalities on Georgia roadways. The media services were needed to educate the public on pedestrian/driving behaviors and to implement highway safety campaigns and programs. The Sheriff’s Office selected television stations having the highest local viewership numbers, which ensured that the largest audience is reached. Consequently, the vendors are deemed only known sources for the services per the Procurement Ordinance Article 3-114. On July 15, 2024, the City Manager authorized the payment due to exigent circumstances. Funding is available in the FY25 Budget: Mul-Government Project Fund – Sheriff – Operation Safe Walk and Ride - Operating Materials; 0216 – 550 – 3020 – OSWR – 6728. BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: July 23, 2024 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs July 31, 2024 1. PI 0015285 Infantry Road and Follow Me Trail – RFB No. 24-0040 Scope of Bid Page 6 of 15  Project PI No. 0015285 consists of an extension of the existing Follow Me Trail which will be constructed from the current southern end point to Infantry Road and will follow Infantry Road parallel to the roundabout on S. Lumpkin Road. The DBE goal for this project is 10%. The Bidder is advised that the governing specifications for this project, including such items as bidding requirements, general conditions, technical specifications and related items, shall be in accordance with the State of Georgia, Department of Transportation Standard Specifications, 2021 Edition, and applicable Supplemental Specifications and Special Provisions. The Owner assumes the Bidder is a pre-qualified bidder with the Department of Transportation and therefore is familiar with the stated reference documents or has access to same. August 7, 2024 1. Flood Abatement Project 19th Street System – RFB No. 24-0016 Scope of Bid The project's Bid consists of 4,628 feet of 8-foot x 6-foot reinforced concrete box culvert, 128 feet of 84-lnch to 36-lnch, 129 feet of 24-lnch, 50 feet of 18-lnch, 16 feet of 15-lnch reinforced concrete pipe; 49 feet of 48-lnch, 192 feet of 24-inch, 237 feet of 16-lnch Ductile Iron Pipe; cast-in-place structures; precast concrete manholes, catch basins and headwalls; 45 feet of 12-inch and 80 feet of 6-lnch ductile iron pipe water main, including line stops, tapping sleeves & valves, water service changeovers and cleanup & testing of water lines; 229 square yards of light duty pavement replacement, 4,138 square yards of heavy duty pavement replacement and 2,277 square yards of asphalt resurfacing, 2,599 feet of 30-inch curb & gutter, asphalt milling and pavement marking; 5-inch thick concrete sidewalks, pedestrian access ramps and concrete driveway apron; Norfolk Southern railroad crossing; grading of a flood basin, Meritas Mill site and reconstruction of the ball field parking. Erosion, sedimentation & pollution control of the site. August 9, 2024 1. On-Call General Contractor Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0003 Scope of RFP The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia invites qualified contractors to submit proposals to provide General Contractor Services, on an as-needed basis, for City- owned facilities throughout Columbus-Muscogee County. The term of this contract will be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. August 16, 2024 1. Design and Construction Services for Columbus Convention and Trade Center Parking Garage– RFP No. 25-0002 Page 7 of 15  Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct an approximately 500 space parking garage for the Columbus Convention Center. The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all design and construction services related to the delivery of the new parking garage. 2. Comprehensive Inmate Healthcare Services for Muscogee County Jail (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0005 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government, on behalf of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, is seeking proposals for the provision of healthcare services for offenders incarcerated at the Muscogee County Jail. The requested services consist of medical, dental, and mental health, as well as healthcare personnel. Medical services include but are not limited to x- ray, laboratory, and prescription drug services for a rated capacity of 1069 inmates. The term of this contract will be for two (2) years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. RESOLUTION - A resolution approving the Honorary Designation Application submitted by the Columbus, Georgia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to rename Carver Park in honor of Former Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh. (The Board of Honor met on July 3, 2024 and recommended approval.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. RESOLUTION - A resolution approving Honorary Designation Signage at Double Churches Pool in honor of Miss Joni Ressmeyer. (The Board of Honor met on July 3, 2024 and is recommending honorary designation signage in lieu of renaming the Double Churches Pool.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED Page 8 of 15 3. The Honorary Designation Application submitted by Jason Crowson / Stephanie Callahan for a plaque and memorial bench in honor of Mr. Richard Callahan at the Godwin Creek Golf Course was considered by the Board of Honor at the July 3, 2024 Meeting and the recommendation and vote result was to deny the application. (The Council may vote to receive the application with no further action.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: RECEIVED 4. Email Correspondence from Mr. Dallis Copeland resigning from his seat on the Development Authority of Columbus. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: Forward to the Board of Honor 5. Honorary Designation Application submitted by Deputy Chief of Police Herman Miles to name the Public Safety Building in honor of Former Police Chief William “Jim” Wetherington. (The Council may vote to forward the application to the Board of Honor.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: RECEIVED 6. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, #22-24 & #23-24 Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority, February 22, and April 25, 2024 Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees, January 10, February 14, and March 13, 2024 River Valley Regional Commission, April 24, and May 22, 2024 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 7. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): No Action Taken A. COLUMBUS IRONWORKS CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY: Jessica M. Ferriter (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 24, 2024 Page 9 of 15  S. Carson Cummings (Mayor’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 24, 2024 The terms are three years. Board meets bi-monthly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 8. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): Nomination: Councilor Davis nominated Libby Coleman to serve as the District 2 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Libby Coleman to the Youth Advisory Council. A. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 1 Nominee: _____________ District 5 Nominee: District 2 Nominee: _____________ 9. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Paige Shields was nominated to succeed Ms. Sabine Stull as the Animal Rescue Representative. (Councilor Garrett’s nominee) Term expires: April 11, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Claire Anna Daniels was nominated to succeed Ms. Julee Fryer. (Councilor Cogle’s nominee) Term expires: April 11, 2026 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. BOARD OF HONOR: Mr. Wayne Anthony was nominated to fill the expired term of the late Bob Hydrick. (Councilor Thomas’ nominee) Term expires: October 31, 2026 Page 10 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(D): Vote Result: CONFIRMED D. LAND BANK AUTHORITY: Ms. Tomeika Farley was nominated to fill the expired term of Mr. Lance Hemmings. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: October 31, 2027 10. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT- VOTE TABULATION MAY BE DETERMINED: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(A): Nominations: Councilor Tucker nominated Audrey Tillman and Councilor Chambers nominated Karl Douglass for the seat of Councilor Travis Chambers; Vote Tabulation: Audrey Tillman received 9 votes and Karl Douglass received 1 vote; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Audrey Tillman to fill the unexpired term of Councilor Travis Chambers on the Development Authority; Nomination: Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Doug Jenkins for the seat of Dallis Copeland; Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of Doug Jenkins to fill the unexpired term of Dallis Copeland on the Development Authority. A. DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Travis Chambers Open for Nominations Elected to Council (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2028 Dallis Copeland Open for Nominations Resigned (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: April 30, 2026 The term is four years. Board meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 11. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(A): No Action Taken Page 11 of 15  A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Channon Emery Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: October 15, 2024 These are two-year terms. Board meets as needed. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(B): Nominations: Councilor Huff renominated Judge Bobby Peters, Barbara Pierce and Vivian Creighton Bishop to serve another term on the Board of Honor. B. BOARD OF HONOR: Bobby Peters- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: October 31, 2024 Barbara Pierce- Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: October 31, 2024 Vivian Creighton Bishop Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: October 31, 2024 All of the members serving on this board must be former elected officials of Muscogee County. These are four-year terms. Board meets as needed. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 2 Page 12 of 15 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(C): No Action Taken C. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: William Bandy Open for Nominations Not seeking reappointment (Council’s Appointment) (SD-29 Representative) Term Expired: June 30, 2023 The term is three years. Board meets every even month. * Ms. Skyler Dexter was confirmed to serve; however, she was unable to accept the appointment. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(D): No Action Taken D. UPTOWN FACADE BOARD: Libba Dillon Open for Nominations (Uptown Columbus Inc. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 Niki Gedroic Open for Nominations (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 James Lewis Open for Nominations (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 Page 13 of 15  Debbie Young Open for Nominations (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 Hannah Israel Open for Nominations (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 The terms are three years. Board meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 COUNCIL HEARING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda- Council Hearing #1: No Action Taken 1. Request for Waiver of Penalty and Interest for Hotel/Motel Excise Tax as submitted by Mr. Anil Patel, representing Jina Inc. dba Candlewood Suites NE in Columbus, Georgia. PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 2. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, Re: Dispossessory, Evictions and Government Center restrictions. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Allie Johnson, representing Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Treatment of animals at Columbus Animal Care & Control. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Debbie Wooten, Columbus Animal Allies, Re: Animal welfare within our community. No Action Taken 7. Mrs. Debbie Mayhew, Re: Columbus Animal Control Center. No Action Taken Page 14 of 15 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of litigation, real estate, and personnel 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 eight members present, with Councilors Crabb and Huff being absent for the vote, and the time being 9:11 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 10:40 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of litigation, real estate, and personnel; however, there were no votes taken. With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Garrett to adjourn the July 23, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Mayor Pro Tem Allen and Councilor Thomas being absent for the vote, and the time being 10:41 p.m. Page 15 of 15