Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers October 22, 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 (arrived at 5:34 p.m.) and Councilors Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, 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 and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore. ABSENT: Councilor Glenn Davis was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Daniel Potter of First 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 October 8, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. PRESENTATIONS: 2. Water and Sewer Rate Study (Presented by Jeremy Cummings, President Columbus Water Works) No Action Taken 3. Transitional Audit Report for Recorder’s Court (Donna McGinnis Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer) No Action Taken CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-08-24-1826: An ordinance amending Chapter 3 of the Unified Development Ordinance of the Columbus Code to allow Tattoo and Body Piercing Shops as a special exception use in the Central Riverfront District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading- REZN-9-24-1941: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to provide definitions and conditions for various uses. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- An ordinance adopting changes to the Evergreen Solutions recommended classification and pay plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: ADOPTED 4. 2nd Reading- An ordinance amending Chapter 17 of the Columbus Code so as to revise certain provisions relating to the organizational structure and authorized positions for the Columbus Police Department; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- An ordinance establishing and implementing a Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave Policy to enable and support employees in the bonding and caregiving of a child, following birth or adoption. (Councilor Chambers) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: AMENDED changing the wording of Sec. 5-3(c)(6) to read “The contract administrator identified by the Mayor and approved by Council in any contract between the consolidated government and a non-profit Page 2 of 14 licensed shelter to provide animal control division services for Columbus shall be a voting member of the board”; Vote Result: AMENDED changing the wording of the second sentence in Sec. 5-3(c)(8) to read “The animal services director shall designate an administrative officer of the animal services division to provide other clerical and logistical support to the board”; Vote Result: AMENDED changing the wording of the second sentence in Sec. 5-3(c)(1)(a) to read “Notwithstanding the provisions of Columbus Code Sec. 2-3.02, he/she need not be a resident of Columbus”, 6. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending Section 5-3 of the Columbus Code, to amend certain provisions regarding the Animal Control Advisory Board; and for other purposes. (Councilors Cogle, Crabb, Garrett, Hickey, and Tucker) RESOLUTION City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A resolution concerning the Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia’s issuance of bonds to finance a multifamily project at Warren Williams Homes and Rivers Homes located in Columbus, Georgia (Request of Columbus Housing Authority) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, Re: Management Inappropriate Behavior and Political Incompetence. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Paul Olson, Re: 1. Public Agenda 2. TAD District #8 and 3. Gambling Casino. Cancelled 3. Ms. Simi Barnes, Re: Characteristics of effective leadership. No Action Taken 4. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Increase fines for parking in Disable Parking / More Funds for Police to receive training on Disabled Citizens. No Action Taken 5. Mr. Melvin Tanner, Jr., representing Columbus Branch NAACP 5187B, Re: Restructure of Police Department. No Action Taken 6. Mrs. Kathy Tanner, Re: Addressing citizens speaking on the same or similar topic every 60 days in the Public Agenda. No Action Taken 7. Mr. Andy Gunnels, representing Animal Advocacy, Re: CACC Scandal. No Action Taken 8. Mrs. Sarah Cochran, representing Animal Advocacy, Re: CACC. No Action Taken Page 3 of 14 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Buena Vista Road Spiderweb Bridge & Improvements, TIA 1 – Supplemental Agreement #4 Approval is requested to execute an amendment to the contract (Supplemental Agreement No. 4) with the Georgia Department of Transportation for additional funding for the construction phase of the Spiderweb TIA project. The supplemental agreement provides additional funding of $6,774,600.00 to replace the Bull Creek Bridge while the Spiderweb improvements are under construction. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Authorization to Fill Ten (10) Unfunded Police Officer Positions Approval is requested to authorize the Columbus Police Department to fill Ten (10) unfunded Police Officer positions in FY25 utilizing General Fund and OLOST Fund reserves. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: AMENDED to remove all parks from resolution except Rigdon Park; Vote Result: APPROVED AS AMENDED to temporarily change the hours for Rigdon Park to 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 3. Change in Closing Times for Certain City Parks Approval is requested to temporarily change the hours for Carver Park, Cooper Creek Park, Flat Rock Park, Heath Park, Manchester Park, and Ride, and Rigdon Park, for six months on a trial basis and amend the ordinance if the council decides to change the hours permanently. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Firehouse Subs Grant Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant in the amount of $44,099.94 or as otherwise awarded by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to fund the purchase of six thermal imaging cameras to replace the current cameras, which have reached the end of their life. There are no matching funds required. 5. 2025 Legislative Agenda Approval is requested of the resolution for the 2025 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly, which the Mayor and Council deem appropriate. Page 4 of 14 City Manager’s Agenda #5 (1): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (1). ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRN) LICENSING: The Columbus Consolidated Government along with the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) of West Georgia Columbus chapter is requesting that the local legislative delegation to the Georgia General Assembly support legislation which would remove barriers to APRN practice whereby decreasing a delay in care for the citizens of Georgia’s access to medication and treatment. APRN’s have the advanced education and trusting relationships with their collaborating physicians to provide safe, effective healthcare services. APRN’s are currently issued an “authorization to practice” as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner under their RN’s license. Independent licensing could allow them to be recognized separately from their RN license. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (2): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (2). ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRN’S) SIGNING DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE DISABILTY PARKING PERMITS: The Columbus Consolidated Government along with the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) of West Georgia Columbus Chapter is requesting that the local legislative delegation to the Georgia General Assembly support legislation which would add APRN’s to the list of the Department of Motor Vehicle’s approved practitioners to sign disability parking permits. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (3): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (3). ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRN’S) WRITING PERSCRIPTIONS FOR SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES: The Columbus Consolidated Government along with the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) of West Georgia Columbus chapter is requesting that the local legislative delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce or support legislation which would authorize APRN’s to write prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances: Stimulants-for ADHD, ADD for 30-day supply and Opiates prescriptions would be a 3-day supply with other criteria. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker /Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (4): Vote Result: APPROVED Page 5 of 14  5 (4). ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRN’S) CERTIFYING ORDERS FOR HOME HEALTH AGENCY VISITS: The Columbus Consolidated Government along with the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) of West Georgia Columbus Chapter is requesting that the local legislative delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce or support legislation which would authorize APRN’s to certify orders authorizing home health agencies to make home visits. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (5): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (5). MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS FOR ADULT ABUSE, NEGLECT & EXPLOITATION: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly support legislation requiring that the multidisciplinary teams for dealing with adult abuse, neglect and exploitation described in O.C.G.A.§ 30-5-11 be mandatory in each judicial circuit of the State. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (6): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (6). $10 MILLION INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the local legislative delegation advocate for a $10 Million increase in funding for Home and Community Based Services (HBCS) order to provide services in the home that help older Georgians stay in their homes and communities for longer and avoid the expense of nursing home care. (Request of Councilor Toyia/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (7): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (7). SHORT TERM RENTALS: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the local legislative delegation support the GMA policy position on short-term rentals. The CCG supports local control of the regulation of short-term rentals as necessary for quality of life, public safety, and a competitive lodging marketplace. This Council urges the local delegation to support maintaining local control of units used as short-term rentals, subject to all applicable state laws and ordinances. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) Page 6 of 14 City Manager’s Agenda #5 (8): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (8). AMENDMENT OF CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST PROVISION FOR REDEVELOPMENT POWERS LAW: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the local legislative delegation introduce/support legislation to revise and to clarify the conflict-of-interest provisions in the Redevelopment Powers Law which address the participation of local government elective and appointive officials and employees in the creation and administration of Tax Allocation Districts. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker, Glenn Davis and Charmaine Crabb/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (9): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (9). FUNDING FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ADDICTIVE DISEASES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the legislative delegation advocate for support of a robust system of care for behavioral health, addictive diseases and developmental disabilities, and additional funding for crisis intervention teams throughout the state. (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Years) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (10): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (10). NEW OPTIONS WAIVER PROGRAM AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORTS WAIVER PROGRAM: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation to the General Assembly evaluate and appropriately fund operation of the New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP), which offer home- and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental disabilities (DD). (Request of Councilor Toyia Tucker/Carry Over from Previous Year) City Manager’s Agenda #5 (11): Vote Result: APPROVED 5 (11). MILITARY RETIREE STATE TAX EXEMPTIONS: The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the legislative delegation support efforts to exempt military retiree pay from state income tax in order to attract military retirees to Columbus, Georgia as recommended by the Greater Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce. (Request of Councilor Judy Thomas/Carryover from Previous Years) Page 7 of 14 City Manager’s Agenda #6(A-F): Vote Result: APPROVED 6. PURCHASES A. Change Order 2 for Design Services for Fire Station #4 Renovation – RFQ No. 23-0001 B. Change Order 3 for Design Services for Fire Station #8 Renovation – RFQ No. 23-0001 C. Brown Household Garbage Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase D. Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator and Accessories for Fire & EMS Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract E. One Ambulance with Accessories for Fire & EMS – HGACBuy Cooperative Contract F. Steel Trash Receptacles for Metra (Annual Contract) – RFB No. 25-0002 REFERRALS: CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: RECEIVED 1. Email Correspondence from Drale Short, Public Works Director forwarding the resignation of Lori Turner from her seat on the Animal Control Advisory Board. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: RECEIVED 2. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, #34-24 Development Authority, September 12, 2024 Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees, April 10, May 8, & June 26, 2024 The Medical Center Hospital Authority, October 25, 2023, January 24 & April 24, 2024 Clerk of Council’s Agenda Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED Page 8 of 14 ADD-ON: RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the October 22, 2024 Council Meeting. BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 3. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(A): Nomination(s): Mayor Henderson nominated Denise Cambridge to fill the vacant seat of Armando Fernandez and Anthony Montgomery to fill the vacant seat of Tamika McKenzie; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Denise Cambridge and Anthony Montgomery to serve on the Community Development Advisory Council. A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Armando Fernandez (Mayor’s Appointment) Seat declared vacant Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Tamika McKenzie (Mayor’s Appointment) Seat declared vacant Term Expires: March 27, 2025 The terms are three years. Board meets quarterly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 4 4. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. TREE BOARD: Ms. Rosalyn Hall was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Beautie Moore (At-Large Seat). (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: July 1, 2025 5. COUNCIL’S DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENT- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Page 9 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): No Action Taken A. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: James “Jay” Wilkoff (Council District 2- Davis) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: December 31, 2021 Carl Brown (Council District 9- Thomas) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expired: December 31, 2022 VACANT (Council District 3- Huff) Term Expired: December 31, 2023 These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly. 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb nominated Matthew Gilbert for the seat of Nancy Anderson and Elizabeth Kirven Boyce for the seat of Lori Turner, whose resignation listed as Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1 was received. A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Sabine Stull Open for Recommendation (Animal Rescue Representative) by Animal Rescue Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: April 11, 2024 Nancy Anderson Open for Nominations (Resigned) (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: October 15, 2025 Page 10 of 14  Councilor Crabb is nominating Matthew Gilbert for the seat of Nancy Anderson. Councilor Crabb is nominating Elizabeth Kirven Boyce for the seat of Lori Turner. These are two-year terms. Board meets as needed. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): No Action Taken B. COLUMBUS AQUATICS COMMISSION: Timothy Crabb Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2024 Richard Leary Open for Nominations Cols. Hurricane Rep. (Council’s Appointment) Does not desire reappointment Term Expired: June 30, 2024 Janet Bussey Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: 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: 2 Senatorial District 29: 1 Page 11 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(C): No Action Taken C. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): John Jackson Open for Nominations No longer serving (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2027 The term is four years. Meets monthly. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(D): No Action Taken D. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD: Lawanna Williams (Vacant) Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: December 31, 2023 VACANT Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: December 31, 2028 The terms are six years. Meets quarterly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 2 Page 12 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(E): No Action Taken E. TREE BOARD: Frank Tommey Open for Nominations (Residential Development Seat) (Council’s Appointment) Not eligible to succeed Term Expired: December 31, 2020 Robert Hecht Open for Nominations (Commercial or Industrial Development Seat) (Council’s Appointment) Seat declared vacant Term Expired: December 31, 2020 Jeremy Cummings Open for Nominations (Public Utility Representative) (Council’s Appointment) Resigned Term Expires: July 1, 2025 Farah Dewsbury Open for Nominations (At-Large Seat) (Council’s Appointment) Seat declared vacant Term Expires: December 31, 2026 These are three-year terms. Meets as needed. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS: A. Airport Commission - (Commission / Council’ Confirmation) B. Board of Elections & Registration - (Democratic Party / Council) C. Cooperative Extension Advisory Board - (Council’s Appointment) D. Personnel Review Board - (Council’s Appointment) Page 13 of 14 E. Recreation Advisory Board - (Council District Seat Appointments) F. The Medical Center Hospital Authority – (Council’s Nomination / Authority) PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 4. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Increase fines for parking in Disable Parking / More Funds for Police to receive training on Disabled Citizens. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of personnel, litigation, and the 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 Garrett and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilors Chambers and Tucker being absent for the vote and Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, and the time being 9:48 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 10:27 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel, litigation, and the acquisition and disposal of real estate; however, there were no votes taken. City Attorney’s Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED ADD-ON RESOLUTION: A resolution authorizing a settlement of all claims of Alicia Wells-Lewis, an employee of Municipal Court, in EEOC Charge No. 410-2024-05682 for a total sum of $95,000 including attorney fees. With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the October 22, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, and the time being 10:28 p.m. Page 14 of 14