Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers March 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 John Anker, Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle, Charmaine Crabb, R. Walker Garrett, Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff and Toyia Tucker (arrived at 7:51 p.m.). City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: Councilor Glenn Davis was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Bruce Conage, Sconiers Funeral Home PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for March 11, 2025, Council Meeting and Executive Session. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Allen) 2. Proclamation: St. Anne Pacelli Vikings Day Receiving: St. Anne Pacelli’s Girls and Boys Basketball Team CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading- REZN-01-25-0079: An ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for Columbus, Georgia to add certain property development regulations for single family detached homes in the Uptown (UPT) zoning district. City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading- An Ordinance adopting amendments to Article II of Chapter 4 of the Columbus Code pertaining to the Recreation Advisory Board; repealing Article IV of Chapter 4 of the Columbus Code pertaining to the Columbus Aquatics Commission; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 3. 1st Reading- An ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at: 1) 2903 10th Avenue (Vision Investment Properties LTD, Owner) 2) 1024 Henry Avenue (Christina Williams & Joseph Philippe, Owner) 3) 2610 Jones Avenue (Green Pryor Lewis Jr, Owner) 4) 3826 3rd Avenue (BSL Investment Group LLC, Owner) 5) 3822 3rd Avenue (BSL Investment Group LLC, Owner) 6) 831 Barklay Way (Eloise Elaine Dale, Owner) 7) 2475 Walker Street (William D. Holland, Owner) 8) 615 Parkchester Drive (Gerardo Ledesma Angeles, Owner) City Attorney’s Agenda #4: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 4. 1st Reading- An ordinance amending the Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave Policy and renaming it the Paid Parental Leave Policy to be consistent with the definitions contained in EEOC guidelines. (Councilor Chambers) (Mayor Pro-Tem) Page 2 of 16 City Attorney’s Agenda #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 5. 1st Reading- An Ordinance adopting new pay rates for the Parks and Recreation Aquatic staff for the Consolidated Government and amending Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Ordinance No. 24- 027; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) (Councilor Tucker) RESOLUTIONS: City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. A resolution amending Resolution No. 077-21 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $24,705,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until August 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. A resolution amending Resolution No. 019-23 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $8,869,800 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until August 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Mr. Howard Jackson Turner, Re: The Long-Standing Practice of Inverse Condemnation and Illegal Eminent Domain. The Amount Due from CCG to Potentially Hundreds of Citizens from Illegal Takings. No Action Taken 2. Mrs. Monica Luker, Re: Request for a Traffic Study and the Implementation of Speed Reduction Measures. No Action Taken 3. Ms. Jennifer Le Denney, representing the Disabled Community, Re: ADA Compliance Concerns with City Hall, Lack of Response, and Status Update Request. Cancelled 4. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Perception & the City Charter. No Action Taken 5. Mr. Henry Wimberly, Re: Appointment of John Anker. Not Present 6. Ms. Carolyn Chaney, Re: Support for City Manager Isaiah Hugley. No Action Taken 7. Ms. Royal Anderson, representing the Muscogee County Democratic Committee, Re: John Anker. No Action Taken 8. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing the Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: Stop Attempting to Terminate City Manager Isaiah Hugley. Not Present Page 3 of 16 9. Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Jr., Re: City Government, on the Outside Looking In. Who’s next? No Action Taken 10. Ms. Simi Barnes, Re: City Government. No Action Taken 11. Mrs. Kathryn Tanner, Re: Changes to the Code of Ordinances to Ensure Transparency. No Action Taken 12. Mr. James Ogburn, Re: Representative Leadership for our Community. No Action Taken 13. Mr. Harry Underwood, representing Columbus, GA Indivisibles, Re: Opposing the Appointment of John Anker to an At-Large Seat on Council. No Action Taken 14. Mr. Marquese Averett, Re: Appointments. No Action Taken 15. Mr. Melvin Tanner, representing the NAACP, Re: To Address the Appointment of a Councilor. No Action Taken 16. Ms. Pamela Moss, Re: RFP for the Development of South Commons. Not Present 17. Dr. Natalie Nicole, representing Role Model Academy of Arts, Re: Transparency, Accountability, and Equitable Decision-Making from Staff in the Mayor’s Office. No Action Taken 18. Mr. Donald Moeller, representing Veterans with PTSD, Re: Awareness of Substandard Veterans PTSD Treatment and Examinations by the Columbus Veterans Administration Clinic. No Action Taken 19. Mr. Wane Hailes, representing The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, Re: Request of Mayor. No Action Taken 20. Mr. Edward DuBose, Re: Discuss the Appointment of John Anker to Council and Request the Mayor to Call for an Investigation. No Action Taken 21. Ms. Monica Whatley, Re: Making Time for Democracy When a Councilor Resigns. No Action Taken 22. Dr. Melvin Steed, representing The Melting Pot/Grace Apostolic Center, Re: Proposed Land Use by a Non-Profit Organization at 10th Avenue & 4th Street. No Action Taken 23. Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Process for City Council Appointment. No Action Taken 24. Mr. Demetrius McBride, representing the Urban League of the River Valley Young Professionals, Re: Review of the City Charter on the Process of Appointing Individuals to Fill Vacant Seats. No Action Taken 25. Ms. Laura Irvin, Re: Transparency and Citizen Representation. No Action Taken 26. Dr. John Van Doorn, Re: Defense of Public Servants and Reconsideration of Council Appointment. No Action Taken Page 4 of 16 27. Rev. Richard A. Jessie, representing The Friends of Historic Claflin, Inc., Re: Request to Establish the Historic Liberty District Restoration & Preservation Foundation. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: INCONCLUSIVE 1. Trade Center Authority – Trade Center Master Plan Approval is requested to accept the Trade Center Master Plan adopted by the Trade Center Authority for the construction of a 300-vehicle parking garage to be operated and maintained by the Consolidated Government. It will be used by hotel patrons, Trade Center patrons and the general public. City Manager’s Agenda #2: DELAYED by the City Manager 2. South Commons Redevelopment Approval to request the Development Authority to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Redevelopment of South Commons to potentially include a hotel, retail/office, multifamily, parking deck, workforce housing, and other uses. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program Approval is to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funds to assist with resources (food & supplies) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal with K9 Partners designated to help strengthen the Nation’s communities against potential terrorist attacks, in the amount of $3,000, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Fiscal Year 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funds to assist with resources (food, supplies, & body armor) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal with K9 Partner designated to help strengthen the Nation’s communities against potential terrorist Page 5 of 16 attacks, in the amount of $4,500.00, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, and amend the Multi-governmental Fund budget by the amount of the award. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. FY26 Congressionally Directed Funding Grant Approval is requested to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant in the amount of $150,056.00 or as otherwise awarded from the FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending project for a vehicle and equipment to implement a Mobile Integrated Healthcare program. There are no matching funds required. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Columbus Police Department: Donation Approval is requested to accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 for sponsorship of the Columbus Police Department’s participation in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games and other employee activities. 7. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #7(A): DELAYED A. Design and Construction Services for Columbus Convention and Trade Center – RFP No. 25-0002 City Manager’s Agenda #7 (B-Z): Vote Result: APPROVED B. Auditing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0006 C. Bullet Recovery System – RFP No. 25-0010 D. Temporary Staffing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 17-0017 E. Additional Sources for Temporary Staffing Services (Annual Contract) – Georgia Statewide Contract F. Three (3) Paratransit Buses for METRA – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase G. One (1) Low Floor Paratransit Cutaway Bus for METRA – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase Page 6 of 16  H. One (1) E-Rescue/Pumper Fire Service Apparatus with Equipment for Fire & EMS – HGAC Cooperative Contract I. Household Trash Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase J. Household Recycling Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase K. Vector Check Software Module for Fire & EMS – National Purchasing Partners (NPPGOV) Cooperative Purchase L. Upgrade/Purchase of Fast Fare Fareboxes with Accessories for METRA M. Camera Equipment for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase N. Metal Storage Buildings for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase O. Battery Operated Ice Edger for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase P. 2025 Ford F-350 Truck for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase Q. Hockey Glass Support Posts and Gaskets for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase R. Additional Staging Equipment for the Civic Center S. Compressor Replacement for the Civic Center T. Outdoor Tables for New Pools for Parks and Recreation – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase U. Forklift for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase V. Scissor Lift for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase W. Event Radios and Earpieces for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase X. Mobile Light Tower for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase Y. One (1) 2025 Ford Transit 350 Van for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase Z. Carpet and Related Flooring for the Civic Center – Annual Contract Purchase EMERGENCY PURCHASES 1. Information Only: Exigent “Off the Lot” Vehicle Purchases – Resolution No. 354-24 Page 7 of 16  BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: March 25, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs April 2, 2025 1. Muscogee County Board of Elections & Registration Voting Equipment Delivery Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0016 Scope of RFP Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration is seeking proposals from qualified moving firms to deliver voting equipment to voting sites before the scheduled election events, and to retrieve the same equipment after the election event. The election schedule consists of up to five election events in a presidential election cycle, up to four election events in a mid-term election cycle, and the possibility of special elections in odd-numbered years. Deliveries vary from county- wide (25 precincts) to district elections (as few as five) based on the type of election. Note: The first election expected to be serviced under this contract, if awarded, will be June 17, 2025, Special Primary Election. The contract term shall be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve- month periods. April 11, 2025 1. Medical Evaluation Services for Columbus Fire & EMS Department (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0014 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government invites qualified firms to submit proposals for medical evaluation services for employees of the Fire & EMS Department on an annual basis. The contract term shall be for two (2) years with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve- month periods. 8. PRESENTATIONS: A. Finance Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance. No Action Taken Page 8 of 16 CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: RECEIVED 1. Resignation of Councilor John Anker from the Board of Tax Assessors. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: RECEIVED 2. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Elections & Registration, February 6, 2025 Board of Tax Assessors, #07-25, #08-25 & #09-25 Board of Zoning Appeals, January 8 & February 5, 2025 Crime Prevention Board, February 21, March 20, April 17, July 22 & July 29, 2024 Crime Prevention Board, February 26, 2025 Hospital Authority of Columbus, January 28, 2025 Housing Authority of Columbus, September 20, October 18 & December 13, 2023 Housing Authority of Columbus, January 25, March 20, April 23, May 15, June 19, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23 & December 18, 2024 Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Advisory Board, November 20, 2024 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 3. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(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 Page 9 of 16  The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 2 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(B): No Action Taken B. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY: New Member Open for Nominations (Certified Public Accountant) (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expires: New Member Open for Nominations (Corporate/Employment Attorney) (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expires: New Member Open for Nominations (Law Enforcement Representative) (Mayor’s Appointment) Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member The terms are three years, with the terms beginning July 1, 2025, and the term expiration of the first appointments being staggered pursuant to Ordinance 25-011. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(C): No Action Taken C. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Benjamin Link – Seat vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) Resigned Term Expires: March 27, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets quarterly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 21 Senatorial District 29: 3 Page 10 of 16 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3(D): No Action Taken D. HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: John F. Greenman (Mayor’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 The terms are five years. Meets once a month. Women: 3 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 3 4. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: Richard Kelly was nominated to succeed Marcus Gibson. (Mayor Pro Tem Allen’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2028 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Zarome Lakey was nominated to succeed Dr. Xavier McCaskey. (Councilor Huff’s nominee) Term expires: March 31, 2028 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Ben Moser was nominated to fill the unexpired term of Monte Galbraith. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: June 30, 2026 5. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Cogle nominated Mike Welch as the Commercial Businessperson and Clerk of Council McLemore stated Councilor Davis has nominated Andy Luker as the Market Representative. Clerk of Council McLemore stated The Sports Council nominated Herman Lewis and the Golf Authority nominated Gerald Riley as Page 11 of 16 their representatives; Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointments of Herman Lewis and Gerald Riley. A. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY: New Member Open for Nominations (Commercial Businessperson) (Council’s Appointment) *Councilor Cogle is nominating Mike Welch. New Member Open for Nominations (Marketing Background) (Council’s Appointment) *Councilor Davis is nominating Andy Luker. New Member Open for Nominations (Promotional Entity – Professional Hockey) (Council’s Appointment) Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member New Member Trade Center’s Nomination (Trade Center Representative) (Confirmed by Council) New Member RiverCenter’s Nomination (RiverCenter Representative) (Confirmed by Council) New Member CVB’s Nomination (Convention & Visitors Board Representative) (Confirmed by Council) New Member Sports Council’s Nomination (Sports Council Representative) (Confirmed by Council) New Member Golf Authority’s Nomination (Golf Authority Representative) (Confirmed by Council) The terms are three years, with the terms beginning July 1, 2025, and the term expiration of the first appointments being staggered pursuant to Ordinance 25-011. Page 12 of 16  B. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE): Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(B): Nomination: Councilor Crabb nominated Brandon Wilkins Samantha Wooden Open for Nominations Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: March 1, 2025 Councilor Crabb is nominating Brandon Wilkins to succeed Samantha Wooden. The terms are two years. Meets as needed. Women: 7 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 5 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(C): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb nominated Ralph King to succeed Lane Jimmerson on the Crime Prevention Board. C. CRIME PREVENTION BOARD: 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 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(D): No Action Taken D. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE: Holli Browder Open for Nominations (Dept. Director/Assistant Director) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Page 13 of 16  Nancy Boren Open for Nominations (Dept. Director/Assistant Director) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Shannon Hubbard Open for Nominations (General Government Employee) (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Troy Vanerson Open for Nominations (General Government Employee) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Ardria McGruder Open for Nominations (Selected by General Government Employees) (Confirmed by Council) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Rachel S. Banks Open for Nominations (Selected by Public Safety Employees) (Confirmed by Council) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Timothy Smith Open for Nominations (Sworn Officer) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 The terms for General Government Representatives are three years, and two years for Public Safety. Meets once a month. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: n/a Senatorial District 29: n/a E. LAND BANK AUTHORITY: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(E): No Action Taken VACANT Open for Nominations Term Expires: October 31, 2026 (Council’s Appointment) These terms are four years. Meets once a month. Page 14 of 16  Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 1 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5(F): No Action Taken F. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: 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 These terms are three years. Meets twice a month. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 7 Senatorial District 29: 2 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 4. Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., Re: Perception & the City Charter. No Action Taken 23. Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Perspective on City Management No Action Taken Clerk of Council (Add-on Resolution): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD-ON RESOLUTION: A resolution excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the March 25, 2025, Council Meeting. Page 15 of 16 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation and real estate acquisition and disposal 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 Huff and carried unanimously by the eight members present, with Councilor Tucker being absent for the vote, and Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, with the time being 9:33 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:56 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in Executive Session to discuss litigation and real estate acquisition and disposal; however, there were no votes taken. ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS: City Attorney Add-On Resolution: Vote Result: APPROVED A resolution authorizing a settlement payment of $350,000 to settle all claims of Michael Holloway, individually, and on behalf of the heirs of Lesley Holloway, deceased, from the incident which occurred on March 27, 2023, 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 March 25, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Davis being absent from the meeting, and the time being 9:57 p.m. Page 16 of 16