Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers February 11, 2025 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 9:10 a.m.) and Toyia Tucker (arrived at 9:30 a.m.). City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore. ABSENT: Councilor Judy W. Thomas and Deputy Clerk Pro Tem Tameka Colbert were absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Wayne Anthony, St. Peter UMC of Columbus, Georgia PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the January 28, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor’s Agenda #2: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: APPROVED (Add-On Resolution) 2. PUBLIC HEARING: HB581 – Intent to Opt-Out of Homestead Exemption. 9:00 a.m. RESOLUTION (ADD-ON): A resolution by Columbus, Georgia/Muscogee County to opt out of the Homestead Exemption pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2. PRESENTATIONS 3. FY24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report – David Irwin, External Auditor, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC. No Action Taken 4. Underserved and Inmate Healthcare Program Update – Bob Paskowski, Principal, PYA, P.C. and Jane Jerzack, Principal, PYA, P.C. No Action Taken Mayor’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED request to form a non-paid reserves unit and to unfreeze seven positions within the Columbus Police Department 5. Columbus Police Department Update - Police Chief Stoney Mathis. 6. Development Authority of Columbus Update - Selvin Hollingsworth, Chairman. No Action Taken 7. Accountability Court – Dayna Soloman, Director of Accountability Courts. No Action Taken Mayor’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED the request to authorize a transition audit on the Victims Witness Division, as requested by the District Attorney 8. Transitional Audit Report for Inspection & Codes - Donna McGinnis, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-10-24-2232: An ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district Page 2 of 14  located at 1126 30th Street (parcel # 029-013-001) from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily - 1 (RMF1) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading- REZN-11-24-2363- An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia to change certain boundaries of a district located at 425 3rd Avenue (parcel #002-015-002) from Historic (HIST) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District with Conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval with conditions.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: ADOPTED 3. 2nd Reading- REZN-11-24-2362: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 2311 Fort Benning Road (parcel # 062-037-003) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Residential Office (RO) Zoning District. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- REZN-12-24-2485: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 3114 6th Avenue (parcel # 014-032-005) from Residential Multifamily – 2 (RMF2) Zoning District to Residential Multifamily – 1 (RMF1) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Councilor Garrett) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- REZN-12-24-2514: An Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, to change certain boundaries of a district located at 1641 3rd Avenue (parcel # 005-006-001) from General Commercial (GC) Zoning District to Uptown (UPT) Zoning District with conditions. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval with conditions.) (Councilor Cogle) Page 3 of 14 RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. A Resolution authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages at all on-premises locations within Columbus, Georgia on Sunday February 9, 2025. (Councilor Tucker) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A Resolution imposing insurance requirements on any vendor contracting with any department, board, commission or authority of the consolidated government for vendor services, to include the delivery or installation of purchased goods, independent of the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department. (Councilors Crabb and Tucker) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: CCG Elected Officials and Staff must be held accountable. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) GDOT Street Lighting Agreement Approval is requested enter into an Agreement Between Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Columbus Consolidated Government for purpose of the installation, operation and maintenance of the lighting for the Bradley Park Drive Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP) Grant Approval is requested to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $3,259.50, or as otherwise awarded, from the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation to promote a community-based “Risk and Safety Day” by the amount awarded. Page 4 of 14  City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Juvenile Accountability Court State Grant Request Approval is requested to submit a grant application and if awarded, accept funds from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the operation of the Muscogee County Juvenile and Family Drug Courts up to $500,000.00, or as otherwise awarded, and amend the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the grant award. The grant period is from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. City Manager’s Agenda #4(A-B): Vote Result: APPROVED 4. PURCHASES A. One (1) Ditch Witch for Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase B. Golf Carts for Sheriff’s Office 5. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS A. South Lumpkin Road Streetscape – Kathy Stallard, Senior Project Manager, Heath & Lineback. No Action Taken B. Liberty District Master Plan - Neil Clark, Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, Inc. No Action Taken C. Integrated Waste Update - Drale Short, Director, Public Works. No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: February 11, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs February 19, 2025 1. Business License Tax/Revenue Collection Services – RFP No. 25-0015 Scope of RFP Page 5 of 14  Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting proposals to establish a contract for the consulting services to provide business license tax/revenue collection services for the city. The contract term shall be for three (3) years with an option to renew for five (5) additional twelve-month periods. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: RECEIVED 1. Email from Attorney Jack P. Schley, requesting the seat of Ernest Smallman be declared vacant on the Hospital Authority of Columbus. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: RECEIVED 2. Letter from Mr. Doug Jefcoat, resigning from his seat on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Bruce Huff to attend the ACCG Annual Conference during the month of April 2025. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: RECEIVED 4. Minutes of the following boards: Audit Committee, November 20, 2024 Board of Tax Assessors, #02-25 and #03-25 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Judy W. Thomas from the February 11, 2025, Council Meeting. (Add-On) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Travel Authorization Request for Councilor Toyia Tucker to attend the ACCG Annual Conference during the month of April 2025. (Add-On) Page 6 of 14 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS: Doug Jefcoat was nominated to fill the unexpired term of the late Trey Carmack. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: December 31, 2025 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Alissa Neal was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Alfred Hayes, Jr. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2026 8. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): No Action Taken A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Renne Sturkie Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2025 The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): No Action Taken B. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Anthony Montgomery (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Page 7 of 14  Denise M. Cambridge (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Benjamin Link (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets quarterly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 21 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): NOMINATION(S): Mayor Henderson renominated Danny Arencibia and Rocky Marsh to serve another term and nominated Sgt. Angela Florence to succeed Asst. Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick; Vote Result: CONFIRMED to appointment of Danny Arencibia, Rocky Marsh and Sgt. Angela Florence. C. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Danny Arencibia (Mayor’s Appointment) (Chairperson) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Rocky Marsh (Mayor’s Appointment) (Fort Moore Liaison) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Dr. Angela Vickers (Mayor’s Appointment) (Education Community) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Asst. Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick (Mayor’s Appointment) (Law Enforcement Agency) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 These terms are three years; Law Enforcement Rep. is two years. Meets quarterly. Page 8 of 14  Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 4 9. COUNCIL’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(A): NOMINATION(S): Councilor Tucker renominated Terrance T. Little, Sr. to serve another term as the District 4 Representative; Vote Result: CONFIRMED appointment of Terrance T. Little, Sr. A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Charles E. Huff, Jr. (District 1 – Hickey) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Daniel T. Woodward (District 2 – Davis) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Gregory Blue (District 3 – Huff) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Terrance T. Little, Sr. (District 4 – Tucker) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Romeo Byll (District 7 – Cogle) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Johnson Trawick (District 8 – Garrett) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 The terms are two years. Meets quarterly. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 8 Senatorial District 29: 4 Page 9 of 14 10. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(A): No Action Taken A. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Shaun Roberts Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(B): NOMINATION(S): Councilor Huff renominated Johnny W Byrd, II to serve another term. B. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Johnny W. Byrd, II Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2025 Tyler R. Martindill Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2025 The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Page 10 of 14 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(C): NOMINATION(S): Councilor Huff renominated Natasha Banks to serve another term. C. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Samantha Wooden Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Natasha Banks Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 1, 2025 The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(D): NOMINATION(S): Councilor Tucker renominated Ericka N. Cottingham to serve another term. D. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Ericka N. Cottingham Open for Nominations (Senatorial District 29) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Marcus Gibson Open for Nominations (Senatorial District 15) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Lane Jimmerson Open for Nominations (At-Large) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 These terms are three years; Law Enforcement Rep. is two years. Meets quarterly. Page 11 of 14  Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(E): No Action Taken E. 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) Appointed to Regular Member seat Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Donna D. Baker Open for Nominations (Alternate Member 3) (Council’s Appointment) Appointed to Regular Member seat Term Expires: December 31, 2024 The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(F): No Action Taken F. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Dr. Xavier McCaskey Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Page 12 of 14  Ralph King Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Larry Derby Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 The term is three years. Meets twice a month. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(G): No Action Taken G. VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Monte Galbraith Open for Nominations Resigned (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 The term is four years. Meets every other month beginning in February. Women: 0 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 1 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into executive session to discuss matters of 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 Hickey and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 1:35 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 2:11 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss matters of personnel; however, there were no votes taken. Page 13 of 14 With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to adjourn the February 11, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 2:12 p.m. Page 14 of 14