Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers May 13, 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 John Anker, Travis L. Chambers, Joanne Cogle (arrived at 9:01 a.m.), Charmaine Crabb (arrived at 9:10 a.m.), Glenn Davis, R. Walker Garrett, Byron Hickey, and Toyia Tucker. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore (arrived at 9:45 a.m.) and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: Councilor Bruce Huff was absent. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain Emilio Rosa – Love in Action Outreach PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for April 29, 2025, Consent Agenda/Work Session. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Anker) 2. Proclamation: Salvation Army of Columbus, Georgia Week Receiving: Director Andre Pereira and Development & Communications Manager Drew Hunt Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Hickey) 3. Proclamation: Mental Health Awareness Month Receiving: Chloe Landreth PRESENTATIONS Mayor’s Agenda #4: No Action Taken 4. STEAM Project Update – Presented by Katrina Long, Principal, Reese Road Leadership Academy Mayor’s Agenda #5: No Action Taken 5. Police Retention Update – Presented by Roderick Graham, Deputy Chief Mayor’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED request to amend the FY26 budget to add up to $650,000 to conduct a performance, operational and risk assessment for the Columbus Consolidated Government. 6. Audit Committee Update – Presented by John Redmond, Committee Chair & Michael Bruder, Committee Member Mayor’s Agenda #7: No Action Taken 7. Transitional Audit of the Office of the Solicitor General – Presented by Donna McGinnis, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer, Jonathan Smith, Benjamin Meadow & Grant Conaway, Forensic Auditors Mayor’s Agenda (Add-on Presentation): No Action Taken River Surfing Project Update - Presented by John Tuner Mayor’s Agenda (Add-on Presentation): No Action Taken Development of South Commons Update - Presented by Selvin Hollingsworth, Development Authority of Columbus Page 2 of 13 CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: PUBLIC HEARING HELD 1. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending Sections 3-1 (mm) and 3-12(e) of the Columbus Code pertaining to the various regulations pertaining to on-premises alcohol consumption; and for other purposes. (Councilor Chambers, Mayor Pro-Tem and Councilor Garrett) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. A resolution approving a Special Exception to allow for a Club or Lodge, Not for Profit located at 6655 Lynch Road located in the Residential Estate – 1 (RE1) zoning district. (Planning Department and PAC recommend approval.) (Mayor Pro-Tem) PUBLIC AGENDA 1. Ms. Ashlee Williams, Re: Leadership Concerns. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Russell Pickron, Re: Transparency in our Government. Not Present 3. Dr. (Rev.) Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Contradictions. No Action Taken 4. Mr. George Shoultz, Re: Ethics of Council. Not Present 5. Mr. Mark Lawrence, Re: Caring for Others. No Action Taken 6. Mr. Gary Johnson, representing Home Hardware, Inc., Re: Spiderweb. Not Present 7. Mrs. Audrey Holston-Palmore, Re: Property located at 2928 10th Street. No Action Taken CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Three Transportation Planning Studies Approval is requested to enter into contracts with the Georgia Department of Transportation to accept Federal/State Transportation Planning Funds for three transportation planning studies: 1) School Traffic Impact Study, 2) Edgewood Road Study, and 3) Master Plan for Trails/Sidewalks, Page 3 of 13 and to amend the Multi-governmental Fund by the amount of the award, which includes a 20% local cash match (match funded in FY24). City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. South Commons Redevelopment Approval to request the Development Authority to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Redevelopment of South Commons and allocate $250,000 to the Development Authority to cover costs for site development-related expenses. City Manager’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. 1242 Broadway - Balcony Encroachment Approval is requested to approve the encroachment for the balcony at 1242 Broadway (KMC Urgent Care) to construct a balcony that will extend five feet zero inches into the public right-of- way from the existing building face. City Manager’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. Sidewalk and Maintenance Easement Acceptance Approval is requested for the acceptance of that portion of a five-foot sidewalk and maintenance easement located at 3340 Buena Vista Road (Lot 100) (C-Store) adjacent to the right-of-way for Buena Vista Road. Due to conflicts with existing infrastructure in the right-of-way, an easement was necessary in order to provide a public sidewalk as required by the UDO. City Manager’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. Lakebottom Public Art Approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Peach Little League, Inc. for a Public Art Mural at Lakebottom Park, and approve the design. Peach Little League, Inc., will be financially responsible for all aspects of this project and for all maintenance of the mural on the wall during the period of the contract, and the city will be responsible for any general maintenance of the structure. City Manager’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. Public Art- Frank D. Chester Rec Center Hitting Wall Approval is requested to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Regional Prosperity Initiative, Inc., a/k/a Columbus 2025 (“RPI”) and approve the final design of the three murals to be located on the hitting wall at Frank D. Chester Recreation Center. Page 4 of 13 City Manager’s Agenda #7: Vote Result: APPROVED 7. FY25 Local Road Assistance (LRA) Approval is requested to submit an application and accept if awarded, FY25 Local Road Assistance (LRA) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The FY25 LRA allocation for Columbus-Muscogee County from GDOT is $3,014,642.47 to be used toward the Morris Road Bridge Replacement Project. NO local match is required. City Manager’s Agenda #8: Vote Result: APPROVED 8. Georgia Cities Foundation Youth Placemaking Grant Approval is requested to apply for and, if approved, accept a grant up to $500.00 on behalf of the Youth Advisory Council through the Georgia Cities Foundation, GeorgiaForward Grant for the “Kindness Rocks Project”. This project involves painting rocks with uplifting messages or designs and hiding them in public locations such as the Pop Austin Recreation Center. A twenty percent match for a total of $100.00 is required. City Manager’s Agenda (Add-on Resolution): Vote Result: APPROVED ADD-ON RESOLUTION: Approval is requested for the acceptance of that portion of Pine Tar Drive and that portion of Pine Chase Drive located in Section Twenty, Garrett Pines. The streets that house the thirty-one residential lots have been improved and meet the required specifications for acceptance by the City. 9. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #7 (A-P): Vote Result: APPROVED A. Amendment 20 for Construction Manager as General Contractor Services for Columbus Government Center Complex - RFQ No. 20-0002 B. Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) Supplies, Parts, Equipment and Materials – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract C. Contract Extension for Banking & Smart Card Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No 19- 0002 D. Breathing Apparatus for the Fire and EMS Department (Annual Contract) – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract E. Stage Curtains for Columbus Civic Center – RFB No. 25-0008 F. 18 Yard Dump Truck for Public Works – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase Page 5 of 13  G. 7 Yard Dump Truck for Public Works – Georgia State Contract Cooperative Purchase H. Security Gate for Public Works/Fleet Management – Federal GSA Cooperative Purchase I. Network Switches and Access Points for the Judicial Center – Georgia Statewide Contract Cooperative Purchase J. Sound System Upgrade for the Civic Center K. Replacement Rubber Flooring and Flooring Base for the Civic Center – Annual Contract Purchase L. Replacement Glass Doors for the Civic Center – The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) Cooperative Purchase M. Crowd Control Barriers for the Civic Center – OMNIA Partners Cooperative Purchase N. Golf Cart for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase O. Haulers for the Civic Center – Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase P. One 11 Yard Viper Rear Load Refuse Truck for Public Works Department – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract 10. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager’s Agenda #10(A): Vote Result: APPROVED request for additional appropriation in the FY25 Budget for the Clerk of Superior Court in the amount of $21,300. A. FY25 Budget Update – Danielle Forté, Clerk of Superior Court B. Combined Sewer Overflow Update. - Vance Beck, Director, Engineering No Action Taken BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: May 13, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs May 14, 2025 1. Hot Asphalt, Micro Surfacing & General Road Repair Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0004 Page 6 of 13  Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide hot asphalt, micro surfacing, and/or general road repair services to include removing old asphalt, resurfacing roads, asphalt patching, concrete patching, milling existing asphalt paving, etc. on an “as needed” basis to the Columbus Consolidated Government (the City). The contract term shall be for three (3) years, with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods. June 6, 2025 1. Grant Writing Services (Annual Contract) – RFP No. 25-0020 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is seeking qualified, experienced individuals, groups, or firms to provide Grant Writing Services. The Successful Proposer will secure grant funding through the preparation and submittal of grant proposals to federal, state agencies, and any other applicable entities. The contract term shall be for three (3) years, with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: No Action Taken 1. Memo from Clerk of Council - Public Agenda Application Clerk of Council’s Agenda #1: No Action Taken 2. Resolution approved by the Board of Health, adopting the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Administrative Code in Title 511 – Georgia Department of Public Health. ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: RECEIVED 3. Email correspondence from Director Lisa Thomas-Cutts, requesting the seat of David Houser be declared vacant on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. Page 7 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: RECEIVED 4. Email correspondence from Charlotte Ingram, resigning from her seat as the District 1 Representative on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC). Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: RECEIVED 5. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, #14-25, #15-25 Board of Zoning Appeals, 03.05.25 Columbus Iron Works Convention and Trade Authority, 03.27.25 Hospital Authority of Columbus, 03.25.25 Development Authority 03.06.25 Employee Benefits Committee 02.26.25 Hospital Authority of Columbus, Georgia 02.25.25 BOARD APPOINTMENTS - ACTION REQUESTED 6. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(A): No Action Taken A. 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 Page 8 of 13  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. 7. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – READY FOR CONFIRMATION: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Allen Taber was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): Vote Result: CONFIRMED B. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Brad Coppedge was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2027 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): Vote Result: CONFIRMED C. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Karl Douglass was nominated to serve another term. (Councilor Crabb’s nominee) Term expires: August 15, 2025 8. APPOINTMENTS – NOMINATIONS ARE CONFIRMED BY COUNCIL: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): Nomination(s): Clerk of Council McLemore stated City Manager Hugley has nominated Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin. Clerk of Council McLemore stated Director Holli Browder, Director Ryan Pruett and Director Forrest Toelle will be serving. Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointments of Lisa Goodwin, Holli Browder, Ryan Pruett and Forrest Toelle. A. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY: New Member City Manager’s Nomination (Deputy City Manager) (Confirmed by Council) Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member *City Manager Hugley is nominating Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin to serve. New Member Parks & Rec. Director’s Nomination (Parks & Rec. Director or Designee) (Confirmed by Council) Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member *Director Holli Browder will be serving. Page 9 of 13  New Member Inspections & Code Director’s Nomination (Inspections & Code Director or Designee) (Confirmed by Council) Ex Officio/Non-Voting Member *Director Ryan Pruett will be serving. New Member IT Director’s Nomination (IT Director or Designee) (Confirmed by Council) New Member Trade Center’s Nomination (Trade Center Representative) (Confirmed by Council) New Member RiverCenter’s Nomination (RiverCenter 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. Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): Nomination(s): Clerk of Council McLemore stated Ardia McGruder has been selected by the General Government Employees and Rachel S. Banks has been selected by the Public Safety Employees. Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointments of Ardia McGruder and Rachel S. Banks. B. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE: Ardria McGruder – Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations (Selected by General Government Employees) (Confirmed by Council) Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Rachel S. Banks – Interested in serving another term Open for Nominations (Selected by Public Safety Employees) (Confirmed by Council) 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 Page 10 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): Nomination(s): Clerk of Council McLemore stated Councilor Cogle is nominating John Sheftall on behalf of the Historic Columbus Foundation to succeed Tyler Pritchard on the Historic & Architectural Review Board. Vote Result: CONFIRMED the appointment of John Sheftall. C. HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Tyler Pritchard Open for Nominations (Historic Columbus Foundation) (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: January 31, 2025 *Councilor Cogle is nominating John Sheftall. The terms are three years. Meets monthly. Women: 6 Senatorial District 15: 10 Senatorial District 29: 1 9. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Cogle nominated Jeff Croop to serve as the Promotional Entity – Professional Hockey Representative on the Columbus Sports & Entertainment Authority. A. COLUMBUS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITY: New Member Open for Nominations (Promotional Entity – Professional Hockey) (Council’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 #7(B): Nomination(s): Councilor Crabb renominated Billy Blanchard and Stephen Butler to serve another term on the Downtown Development Authority. B. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Page 11 of 13  Billy Blanchard – Interested in serving another term (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expired: August 15, 2023 Stephen Butler – Interested in serving another term (Council’s Appointment) Eligible to succeed Term Expired: August 15, 2023 VACANT (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: August 15, 2023 Ernest Smallman, IV (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed – Currently serves on Board of Zoning Appeals Term Expired: August 15, 2023 The terms are four years. Ordinance No. 11-23 removes the limitation of two full consecutive terms for this authority. Women: 0 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 3 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(C): Nomination(s): Mayor Pro Tem Allen renominated Shannon Hubbard to serve another term on the Employee Benefits Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Allen nominated Tommy Beauchamp to succeed Troy Vanerson and Jules Hazen to succeed Timothy Smith on the Employee Benefits Committee. C. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE: Shannon Hubbard – Interested in serving another term 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 Timothy Smith Open for Nominations (Sworn Officer) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: April 30, 2025 Page 12 of 13 Tommy Beauchamp (Stormwater Manager, Public Works) has been submitted by HR as a nominee to succeed Troy Vanerson. Jules Hazen (Deputy Fire Chief) has been submitted by HR as a nominee to succeed Timothy Smith. 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 UPCOMING BOARD APPOINTMENTS: A. 457 Deferred Compensation Board B. Audit Committee C. Board of Family & Children Services D. New Horizons Community Service Board E. Pension Fund, Employees’ Board of Trustees F. Retirees’ Health Benefits Committee G. Tree Board PUBLIC AGENDA (continued): 7. Mrs. Audrey Holston-Palmore, Re: Property located at 2928 10th Street. No Action Taken With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Garrett to adjourn the May 13, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Huff being absent from the meeting, and the time being 2:04 p.m. Page 13 of 13