Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers February 25, 2025 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 and Councilors Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett (via teleconference) and Toyia Tucker. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk Pro Tem Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: Councilors Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff and Judy W. Thomas were absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Karen Connally- Tri City Prayer Initiative PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the February 11, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PRESENTATIONS 2. Office of Crime Prevention Update – Seth Brown, Director of Crime Prevention and Natre’L Payne, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor. No Action Taken 3. Introduction of Ashley Woitena, CEO of VisitColumbusGA – Pace Halter, Board Chair. No Action Taken Mayor’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED (Add-On Resolution) 4. Muskogee Project Presentation – Paul Pierce, Springer Opera House A resolution declaring friendship and recognizing the historical role of the Muscogee Creek People in present day Columbus/Muscogee County. Mayor’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED (Add-On Resolution) 5. Introduction of Normae Beecham, Deputy Warden of Administration – Warden Herbert Walker, III, Muscogee County Prison A resolution confirming the appointment of Normae S. Beecham as the Deputy Warden of Administration for Muscogee County Prison. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd 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 #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd 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) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- An ordinance adopting a new Article XXIII of Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code to create a Sports & Entertainment facilities Authority; and for other purposes. (Continued on 1st Reading from 10-8-24.) (Councilors Cogle, Davis, and Garrett) Page 2 of 13 RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. A Resolution approving the issuance of the applicable portion of the Educational Facilities Finance Authority Bonds issued by the Public Finance Authority solely for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code, for the applicable portion of the Bonds to finance the portion of a project located in Columbus, Georgia, specifically the purchase of Miller Motte College by Lindenwood Educational System. (Request of Public Finance Authority) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mrs. Glendora Dvine, representing Dvine Systems GA, Re: Increasing Mental Health Awareness in the City. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: The Latest Audit, Grant Funds, and the Charter. No Action Taken 3. Ms. Denise Cambridge, Re: CCG Citizens Government Academy. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: No Action Taken – See Item CM#5(A) for substitute action 1. Pinegrove MSW Landfill Approval is requested to authorize the funding of the construction cost to open Phase 5/Cell 5A- 5C within the Pinegrove MSW Landfill with an estimated construction cost of $8,134,830, which will be obtained by a loan received through/from the General Fund Reserve. City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. FY26 Holiday Schedule Approval is requested to approve the Holiday Schedule for the FY26 Budget Year. It is recommended that Friday, December 26, 2025 be designated as the floating holiday. Page 3 of 13 City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Grant – Accountability Courts Approval is requested to submit an application, and if approved, accept $647,499 or as otherwise awarded from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the operation of the Superior Court Accountability Courts, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 and to amend the Multi-governmental Fund by $647,499 or as otherwise awarded. The City is required to provide a 15% cash matching funds ($110,000) to participate in this grant program. This cash match is satisfied in the salary and benefits of the current Director of Accountability Courts. City Manager’s Agenda #4(A-D): Vote Result: APPROVED 4. PURCHASES A. Multi-Purpose Dog Handler Packages (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 24-0018 B. Software License Renewal for EVOQ Software for Information Technology C. Parking Lot Striping Services for the Civic Center D. Contract Amendment and Extension for Inmate Food Management Services for Muscogee County Prison (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 20-0005 EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 354-24 5. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager’s Agenda #5(A): Vote Result: APPROVED the use of two (2) General Fund Balance Reserve Days, totaling $1,327,768, to begin the project and will revisit the funding options available to complete the project. A. Integrated Waste/Landfill Space and Funding Options for Cell #5 Update - Drale Short, Director, Public Works & Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. Page 4 of 13 CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY 1. Board Update – The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board. No Action Taken ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. RESOLUTION – A resolution appointing Doug Jefcoat to the Board of Tax Assessors. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Byron Hickey from the February 25, 2025 Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. RESOLUTION - A resolution excusing Councilor Judy Thomas from the February 25, 2025 Council Meeting. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: Forward to the Board of Honor for Review 5. Honorary Designation Application for Facilities – A request submitted by Superior Court Judge Bobby Peters to name the new Judicial Center in honor of the late Honorable John D. Allen. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: CONFIRMED 6. The Land Bank Authority is nominating Sherrie Aaron, Stephen Anthony and Michelle Williams to serve another term. (The Land Bank Authority nominates three of the seven members to this authority with confirmation from the Council.) Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: RECEIVED 7. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Family & Children Services, January 18 & September 14, 2024 Board of Tax Assessors, #04-25 & #05-25 Board of Water Commissioners, January 13, 2025 Page 5 of 13  Community Development Advisory Council, September 8 & December 8, 2022; June 8, September 14 & December 14, 2023; December 12, 2024 Golf Course Authority of Columbus, January 14, 2025 Hospital Authority of Columbus, October 29, 2024 Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, July 19, October 16 & November 20, 2024 Recreation Advisory Board, March 22, May 24 & July 26, 2023 Uptown Façade Board, April 15, May 20, July 23, August 19, September 16, October 21 & November 18, 2024; January 17, 2025 Clerk of Council’s Agenda (Add-on Resolution): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD-ON RESOLUTION: A resolution excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the February 25, 2025, Council Meeting. BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 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: Renee Sturkie – Not Interested in serving 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 Page 6 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): Nomination(s): Mayor Henderson nominated Anthony Montgomery and Denise M. Cambridge; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Anthony Montgomery – Interested in serving (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Denise M. Cambridge – Interested in serving (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Benjamin Link – Seat vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) Resigned Term Expires: March 27, 2025 Mayor Henderson is renominating Anthony Montgomery and Denise Cambridge to serve another term. 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 nominated Dr. Michael Forte to succeed Dr. Angela Vickers; Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Dr. Angela Vickers (Mayor’s Appointment) (Education Community) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Mayor Henderson is nominating Dr. Michael Forte to succeed Dr. Angela Vickers as a Representative of the Education Community. These terms are three years; Law Enforcement Rep. is two years. Meets quarterly. Page 7 of 13  Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 4 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 9. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Johnny W. Byrd, III was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 24, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Ericka N. Cottingham was nominated to serve another term as the Senatorial District 29 Representative. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2028 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #9(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Natasha Banks was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 1, 2027 10. COUNCIL’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Davis renominated Daniel T. Woodward and Councilor Cogle renominated Romeo Byll; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD: Charles E. Huff, Jr. – Interested in serving (District 1 – Hickey) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Daniel T. Woodward – Interested in serving (District 2 – Davis) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Page 8 of 13  Gregory Blue – Interested in serving (District 3 – Huff) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Romeo Byll – Interested in serving (District 7 – Cogle) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: March 1, 2025 Johnson Trawick – Not interested in serving (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 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #10(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Sherisse Malone and Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated David Miles; Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Sherisse Malone – Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council District 5- Crabb) Term Expired: December 31, 2024 David Miles – Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council District 6- Allen) Term Expired: December 31, 2024 VACANT (Council District 2- Davis) Term Expires: December 31, 2027 VACANT (Council District 3- Huff) Term Expires: December 31, 2028 VACANT (Council District 9- Thomas) Term Expires: December 31, 2028 These are five-year terms. Board meets monthly. Page 9 of 13  Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 4 11. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(A): Nomination(s): Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated Shaun Roberts; Councilor Crabb nominated Ernie Smallman and Deputy Clerk of Council McLemore stated Councilor Huff is nominating Zarome Lakey to fill the seat formerly held by Doug Jefcoat. A. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Shaun Roberts – Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 Doug Jefcoat Open for Nominations Resigned (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2027 Councilor Crabb is nominating Ernie Smallman to fill the unexpired term of Doug Jefcoat. Councilor Huff is nominating Zarome Lakey to fill the unexpired term of Doug Jefcoat. Nominees will be listed for a vote tabulation for the March 11, 2025, Council Meeting. The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(B): Nomination(s): Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated Tyler R. Martindill B. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: Tyler R. Martindill – Interested in serving Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2025 Page 10 of 13  The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(C): No Action Taken 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 The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(D): No Action Taken D. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: 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. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 4 Page 11 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #11(E): No Action Taken E. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Dr. Xavier McCaskey Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 31, 2025 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 #11(F): No Action Taken F. UPTOWN FACADE BOARD: James Lewis 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. Page 12 of 13  Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 4 Clerk of Council’s Agenda (Not Listed): Vote Result: APPROVED request from Councilor Tucker to approve an honorary street designation request submitted in October 2024 and later ratified by the Board of Honor. HONORARY STREET DESIGNATION – APPROVAL REQUEST: 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. (Listed as Clerk of Council Agenda Item #4 at the November 12, 2024, Council Meeting, where Council voted to forward request to the Board of Honor) EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and real estate acquisition 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 seven members present, with Councilor Garrett attending virtually, Councilors Hickey, Huff and Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 11:15 p.m. (Deputy Clerk of Council McLemore confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Garrett.) The Regular Meeting reconvened at 11:27 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and real estate acquisition; however, there were no votes 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 February 25, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Tucker and carried unanimously by the seven members present, with Councilor Garrett attending virtually, Councilors Hickey, Huff and Thomas being absent from the meeting, and the time being 11:28 p.m. (Deputy Clerk of Council McLemore confirmed and announced the affirmative vote of Councilor Garrett.) Page 13 of 13