Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers November 12, 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 and Councilors Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff (arrived at 9:05 a.m.), Judy W. Thomas and Toyia Tucker (via teleconference). 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 Chaplain Emilio Rosa – Love in Action Outreach 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 22, 2024 Council Meeting and Executive Session. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd 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 #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd 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. (as amended on 1st Reading) (Councilors Cogle, Crabb, Garrett, Hickey, and Tucker) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: AMENDED to require a 50-foot undisturbed natural buffer along the property lines of Parcels 15 and 22 3. 1st Reading- REZN-08-23-0146: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3160 Primrose Road (parcel # 085-010-008) from Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District. (Planning Department recommends denial. PAC recommends approval.) (Councilor Hickey) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-08-24-1865: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 4012 Buena Vista Road (parcel # 087-028-003) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Hickey) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-09-24-2020: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 411 21st Street (parcel # 016-013-004) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: PUBLIC HEARING HELD Page 2 of 12 6. 1st Reading- REZN-9-24-2015: An ordinance amending Section 3.2.22. of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia, to add additional provisions pertaining to convenience stores with gas sales. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Tucker and Mayor Pro-Tem) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A resolution approving a Special Exception to allow for a Tattoo and Body Piercing Shop in the existing building located at 1234 Broadway Street located in the Central Riverfront District (CRD) zoning district. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. A resolution approving a Special Exception to allow for a Club or Lodge, Membership in the existing building located at 1300 Big Eddy Road located in the Residential Estates – 1 (RE1) zoning district. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Davis) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. David Young, Re: Speed Zone Cameras. No Action Taken 2. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Reducing poverty, animal control and East Wynnton. No Action Taken 3. Mr. Carl Latini, Re: An ongoing issue with vehicle accidents to the house and property and discuss possible resolutions. No Action Taken 4. Mrs. Erin Bouthillier, representing the Rose Hill Neighborhood, Re: To provide an update on the Rose Hill Neighborhood. No Action Taken Page 3 of 12 CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Annual Unused Sick Leave Payment Approval is requested to authorize payment to employees for unused sick leave in accordance with 16B-15-6 (2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. FY 25 Local Government & Improvement Grant (LMIG) Approval is requested to submit an application and accept if awarded, FY 25 Local Government & Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The FY 25 LMIG allocation for Columbus-Muscogee County from GDOT is $2,457,256.97 with a local 10% match requirement. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Bright from the Start Snack Grant – Parks & Recreation Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $67,989.00, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Department of Early Childcare and Learning, Bright from the Start to continue the Child and Adult Care Food Program and amend the Multi-Government Grant Funds by the amount awarded. The grant will cross over 2024 and 2025 Fiscal Years. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Family Fun Day Donation – Police Department Approval is requested to accept a donation in the amount of $5,000 for sponsorship of the Columbus Police Department’s 2nd Annual Family Fun Day and other employee activities. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Donation Acceptance - Columbus Police Department Approval is requested to accept one financial donation totaling $6,000 to be used in support of the Columbus Police Department. Page 4 of 12 City Manager’s Agenda #6(A-J): Vote Result: APPROVED 6. PURCHASES A. Household Trash Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase B. Tasers and Accessories for Police Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract C. HVAC System Replacement for Columbus Convention and Trade Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase D. HVAC System Replacement at the Liberty Theater – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase E. Annual Maintenance for Energov Licensing and Permitting Software F. Two (2) Brush Chippers for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase G. Declaration of Surplus and Donation of One (1) Vehicle to Harris County Sheriff’s Office H. PI 001436 – Muscogee County Buena Vista Road Improvements at Spiderweb – Phase II (Re-Bid) – RFB No. 24-0029 I. Investigative Analytics Software for The Sheriff’s Office J. Contract Extension for Temporary Staffing for the Civic Center EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 354-24 Off the Lot Purchase – Information Only ONE (1) 2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB On October 23, 2024, a purchase order was executed for one (1) 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab for the Public Safety Department due to exigent circumstances, as approved by Council per Resolution No. 354-24. The vehicle will be purchased from Alan Jay Fleet Sales (Columbus, GA) at a unit price of $52,380.00. This vehicle replaces a vehicle that was totaled. Funds are budgeted in the FY25Budget: LOST-Public Safety – MCP– Public Safety-LOST – Light Trucks; 0102-420-9900-LOST-7722. Page 5 of 12 7. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. 5th Ave. TSPLOST Update - Mitchell Greenway PE, Principal, Stantec. No Action Taken B. Infrastructure Update - Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Infrastructure, Vance Beck, Director, Engineering, Ryan Pruett, Director, Inspections & Code, Drale Short, Director, Public Works. 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 changing the meeting time for the November 19, 2024 Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Travis L. Chambers to attend the 2025 Newly Elected Officials Training. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Linda Parker to serve another term as the Democratic Party Representative on the Board of Elections & Registration. 3. Letter from the Muscogee County Democratic Committee Chair, Vivian Creighton Bishop advising of the recommendation to reappoint Ms. Linda Parker for another term of office on the Board of Elections & Registration. (The Council would vote to confirm the appointment.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: FORWARD application to the Board of Honor for consideration. 4. Honorary Designation Application submitted by NiChaundrea Brooks requesting street signage to be located at the intersection of St. Marys Road and Longwood Lane in honor of Angiela Tanzie. (The Council may vote to forward to the Board of Honor.) Page 6 of 12 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: RECEIVED 5. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, 35-24, #36-24 & #37-24 Columbus Golf Course Authority, September 24, 2024 Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners, August 21, & September 18, 2024 Hospital Authority of Columbus, August 27, & September 24, 2024 Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, November 15, 2023 Planning Advisory Commission, September 18, 2024 River Valley Regional Commission, September 25, 2024 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Mr. Matthew Gilbert was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Nancy Anderson (Resigned). (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: October 15, 2025 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD: Ms. Elizabeth Kirven Boyce was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Lori Turner (Resigned). (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: October 15, 2025 Page 7 of 12 7. COUNCIL NOMINATIONS- THREE NOMINEES ARE SENT TO THE AUTHORITY FOR SELECTION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Cogle renominated Ernest Smallman, IV and John Kingsbury. A. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Ernest Smallman, IV Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: November 14, 2024 Mike Welch Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: November 14, 2024 John Kingsbury Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: November 14, 2024 - The authority has advised that in accordance to their bylaws, Mr. Mike Welch is not eligible to serve another term of office and requesting three nominees for this seat. Also, Mrs. Kelsea Garrett has withdrawn from consideration. *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 terms are three years. Board meets monthly. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 Page 8 of 12 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): Vote Result: APPROVED to forward nomination(s) to the Medical Center Hospital Authority of Columbus as provided: Councilor Thomas nominated Max Brabson, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers for the seat of Max Brabson; Mike Burns, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers for the seat of Mike Burns; and Allen McMullen, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers for the vacant seat formerly held by the late T. Fredrick McKnight. B. THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Max Brabson Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Mike Burns Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: December 31, 2024 T. Fredrick McKnight (VACANT) Open for Nominations Passed away (Council’s Nomination) Term Expires: December 31, 2028 Councilor Thomas is making the following nominations: For the seat of Max Brabson - Max Brabson, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers For the seat of Mike Burns - Mike Burns, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers For the vacant seat - Allen McMullen, Travis Wade and Tracy L. Sayers *The Council submits three (3) nominees to The Medical Center Hospital Authority for each seat and The Medical Center Hospital Authority selects the successor for Council’s confirmation. The terms are five years. Board meets quarterly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 6 Page 9 of 12 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): Nomination: Clerk of Council Davis stated Councilor Tucker is nominating Mary Kathryn McCray to fill the unexpired term of John Jackson on the Commission on International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters (CIRCLE). A. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): John Jackson Open for Nominations No longer serving (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2027 Councilor Tucker is nominating Mary Kathryn McCray to fill the unexpired term of Mr. John Jackson. The term is four years. Meets monthly. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): Nomination: Councilor Crabb renominated Donna D. Baker and Tracy Walker to serve another term, and nominated Willie L. Belfield, Jr. to succeed Torrance Goodwin in the Regular Member 3 Position on the Personnel Review Board. B. PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD: Dennis Walsh Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 1) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Willie L. Belfield, Jr. Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 2) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Page 10 of 12  Donna D. Baker Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 3) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Tracy Walker Open for Nominations (Regular Member 2) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Torrance Goodwin Open for Nominations (Regular Member 3) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Human Resources is recommending that Mr. Willie L. Belfield, Jr. be nominated to succeed Mr. Torrance Goodwin (Regular Member 3 Seat) The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 2. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Reducing poverty, animal control and East Wynnton. No Action Taken EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of litigation as requested by City Attorney Fay earlier in the meeting, with the addition of matters of personnel and property acquisition and disposal. Mayor Pro Tem Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Crabb and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Hickey being absent for the vote, and the time being 11:28 a.m. (Clerk of Council Davis confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Tucker.) Page 11 of 12 The Regular Meeting reconvened at 11:57 a.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of litigation, personnel, and property acquisition and disposal; however, there were no votes taken. ADD-ON RESOLUTION: Vote Result: APPROVED ADD-ON RESOLUTION: A resolution authorizing payment of $282,500 to settle all damage claims of Roberto Aron stemming from the incident which occurred on February 3, 2022, 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 November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council, with the time being 11:58 a.m. (Clerk of Council Davis confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Tucker.) Page 12 of 12