Council Agenda - Regular Meeting

~~POST SUMMARY MINUTES~~ Council Chambers July 22, 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, Glenn Davis (arrived at 5:34 p.m.), Byron Hickey, Bruce Huff, and Toyia Tucker (via teleconference). Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Lindsey G. McLemore and Deputy Clerk of Council Tameka Colbert. ABSENT: N/A CALL TO ORDER: Mayor B.H. "Skip" Henderson, III, Presiding INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Grace Burton Edwards – St. Thomas Episcopal Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Skip Henderson MINUTES Mayor’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. Approval of minutes for the July 8, 2025 Council Meeting. PROCLAMATIONS Mayor’s Agenda #2: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Huff) 2. Proclamation: Community Healthcare Week Receiving: Asante Hilts Mayor’s Agenda #3: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Anker) 3. Proclamation: Wynnton Neighborhood Network Receiving: Jason Wade Mayor’s Agenda #4: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Allen) 4. Proclamation: West Georgia Dixie Baseball Receiving: West Georgia Dixie Baseball Team Mayor’s Agenda #5: No Action Taken (Proclamation read into the record by Councilor Garrett) 5. Proclamation: Columbus High School Boys Golf Team Receiving: Coach Chris Parker and the Columbus High School Boys Golf Team RESOLUTIONS Mayor’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. A Resolution requesting a transition audit by the Internal Auditor of the Clerk of Council’s Office. (Requested by the Clerk of Council) CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA ORDINANCES City Attorney’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: ADOPTED 1. 2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending Chapter 14 pertaining to Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions of the Columbus Code to insert a code section 14-24 to provide for fees for lift assistance service calls made by the Columbus Department of Fire and Medical Emergency Page 2 of 13  Services to licensed healthcare and affiliated facilities; to provide penalties for violations thereof; and for other purposes. (Mayor Pro-Tem) City Attorney’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: ADOPTED 2. 2nd Reading: An Ordinance amending the Columbus Code to add a new Article V to Chapter 11 to require safety standards pertaining to powered bicycles, powered mobility devices and storage batteries; and for other purposes. (Councilor Cogle) City Attorney’s Agenda #3: PUBLIC HEARING HELD; Vote Result: AMENDED to include additional language on page 3, paragraph f: “A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours shall be allotted prior to such removal and transport of such property." 3. 1st Reading- An Ordinance amending the Columbus Code to repeal and replace Section 14- 13. with a new code section that prohibits camping on public property within Columbus, Georgia, and for other purposes. (Councilor Crabb) RESOLUTIONS City Attorney’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: APPROVED 4. A Resolution amending Resolution No. 020-23 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $11,230,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until February 1, 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: APPROVED 5. A Resolution amending Resolution No. 076-21 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $13,300,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until February 1, 2027. (Request of Columbus Water Works) City Attorney’s Agenda #6: Vote Result: APPROVED 6. A Resolution amending Resolution No. 078-21 to consent to the extension by the Columbus Water Works of a $22,439,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority up to and until November 1, 2026. (Request of Columbus Water Works) Page 3 of 13 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Henderson entertained a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and property acquisition and disposal as requested by City Attorney Fay. Mayor Pro Tem Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Councilor Cogle and carried unanimously by the ten members present, with the time being 7:02 p.m. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 8:20 p.m., at which time, Mayor Henderson announced that the Council did meet in Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and property acquisition and disposal; however, there were no votes taken. PUBLIC AGENDA Last Application Received: July 18, 2025, 10:22 a.m. 1. Mr. John Michael Watford, representing Mike Watford, Re: Mud Buildup on Roaring Branch Creek Road. No Action Taken 2. Mr. Ladarius Colbert & Dr. Jaketra Bryant, representing New Blaq Order LLC and Dr. Jaketra Bryant Coaching and Speaking, LLC, Re: Conditions of South Columbus. No Action Taken 3. Mr. Atlantic Cole, representing: Cole’s Towing & Recovery, Inc., Re: Request for Reconsideration of Resolution No. 182-25. No Action Taken 4. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing: Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: National Night Out, Paws Humane, and Underfunded Pension Plans. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Audrey Holston Palmore, Re: Property Located at 2928 10th Street. No Action Taken 6. Mr. Mark Lawrence, Re: Next Steps. No Action Taken 7. Dr. Johnny Flakes, III, Re: Who do you want people to believe you are? Not Present CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA City Manager’s Agenda #1: Vote Result: APPROVED 1. FY26 Public Defender Contract Approval is requested to enter into an agreement between the Circuit Public Defender Office of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Muscogee County for Indigent Defense Services in the amount of $2,761,935 and to authorize monthly payments to the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC) for said services in the amount of $167,963.72 per month. The monthly amount is included in the total contract amount of $2,761,935 and covers the cost of personnel services at $191,586, as well as a 5% administrative fee of $95,979. Page 4 of 13 City Manager’s Agenda #2: Vote Result: APPROVED 2. Amendment to Extend the Subrecipient Agreements for Occupational Training and Retention Approval is requested to amend the subrecipient agreements for Occupational Training (Internships, Work Experience, On-the-Job Training, and/or post-secondary training; and retention services) for economically disadvantaged (low-income) individuals residing in Muscogee County (for a total amount of $995,503 or otherwise awarded Council approved the subrecipient agreements for Occupational Training on August 27, 2024. Request is made for the subaward periods of performance, budget periods, and expenditure reporting periods end date listed in Article II General Award Information; Sec. 15.1 Article XV Term; and Exhibit D Expenditure Reporting Schedule to be extended to September 30, 2026. 3. PURCHASES City Manager’s Agenda #3(A-C): Vote Result: APPROVED A. Election Equipment, Supplies and Services B. Household Trash Carts and Lids for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase C. Household Recycling Carts for Public Works – Sourcewell Cooperative Contract Purchase 4. UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS City Manager’s Agenda #4(A): Vote Result: APPROVED request to adjust the Bull Creek Golf Course Budget by $141,200 within their own budget. A. FY25 Bull Creek Golf Course Budget Update – Jim Arendt, Director of Golf, Golf Authority B. Pension Fund Process Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance No Action Taken C. Revenue Department Update - Angelica Alexander, Director, Finance No Action Taken D. Business License Tax, Revenue Collection Services RFP Update – Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development No Action Taken E. ARP Update Pam Hodge, Deputy City Manager, Finance, Planning & Development No Action Taken Page 5 of 13  BID ADVERTISEMENT DATE: July 22, 2025 TO: Mayor and Councilors FROM: Finance Department SUBJECT: Advertised Bids/RFPs/RFQs August 15, 2025 2. Design and Construction Services for Columbus Pickleball Facility – RFP No. 26-0006 Scope of RFP Columbus Consolidated Government (the City) is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to engage a Design-Builder to design and construct the new Columbus Pickleball Facility. The facility will be located at 1641 3rd Avenue and be compromised of twenty-seven (27) pickleball courts, including sixteen (16) covered courts. The facility will also include bathroom and concession facilities. Approximately one-hundred four (104) parking spaces will be constructed to support the facility within the existing rights of way of 3rd Avenue and 17th Street. The estimated budget for this project is $7,000,000. The selected Design-Builder will be responsible for all aspects of the design and construction. CLERK OF COUNCIL’S AGENDA ENCLOSURES - INFORMATION ONLY 1. Memo: Board Quorum Challenges. No Action Taken 2. Memo: Columbus Golf Course Authority Minutes. No Action Taken ENCLOSURES - ACTION REQUESTED Clerk of Council’s Agenda #3: Vote Result: APPROVED 3. Request to declare the seat of Julio Portillo (District 8) as vacant on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC). Clerk of Council’s Agenda #4: Vote Result: RECEIVED 4. Resignation of Adrian Wade (District 6) from his seat on the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC). . Page 6 of 13 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #5: Vote Result: RECEIVED 5. Minutes of the following boards: Board of Tax Assessors, #23-25 Columbus Golf Course Authority, 01.14.2025 Columbus Golf Course Authority, 02.11.2025 Columbus Golf Course Authority, 04.22.2025 Columbus Golf Course Authority, 05.28.2025 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) 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. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 1 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 11 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #6(B): No Action Taken B. PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) (Business Community) Term Expires: June 30, 2026 Page 7 of 13  The terms are four years. Meets monthly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 1 7. COUNCIL DISTRICT SEAT APPOINTMENTS- ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(A): Nomination(s): Councilor Hickey nominated Gregory Blue to fill the vacant seat on the Community Development Advisory Council; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: __________________ (District 1 – Hickey) Vacant Term Expires: March 27, 2026 The terms for the Mayor’s Appointments are three years and Council’s Appointments are two years. Meets quarterly. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 9 Senatorial District 29: 2 Vacancies: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #7(B): No Action Taken B. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: District 5 Nominee: District 9 Nominee: _____________ District 10 Nominee: Page 8 of 13 8. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(A): No Action Taken A. KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION: __________________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) (Senatorial District 15) Term Expires: June 30, 2027 The terms are three years. Meets every other month. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: 5 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(B): No Action Taken B. NEW HORIZONS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – MENTAL HEALTH, ADDICTIVE DISEASES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES- COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD: Judge David Ranieri Open for Nominations Does not desire reappointment (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2025 The terms are three years. Meets every other month. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 3 Senatorial District 29: 1 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(C): Clerk of Council McLemore announced the following nominations to the Planning Advisory Commission: Councilor Chambers nominated Anthony Smith to succeed Ralph King. Councilor Cogle nominated Haley Lyman to succeed Larry Derby. Page 9 of 13  C. PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION: Ralph King Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: March 31, 2025 *Councilor Chambers is nominating Anthony Smith Larry Derby Open for Nominations Not Eligible to succeed (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: March 31, 2025 *Councilor Cogle is nominating Haley Lyman These terms are three years. Meets twice a month. Women: 2 Senatorial District 15: 6 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 0 Clerk of Council’s Agenda #8(D): No Action Taken D. RETIREES’ HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE: Thomas Barron Open for Nominations Not Eligible (Council’s Appointment) Term Expired: June 30, 2025 The term of the Mayor’s appointee is two years. The terms of Council’s appointees are four years. Meets once a month. Women: 4 Senatorial District 15: n/a Senatorial District 29: n/a Vacancies: 0 Page 10 of 13 ADD-ON: BOARD APPOINTMENTS – ACTION REQUESTED 9. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS MAY BE CONFIRMED FOR THIS MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda ADD-ON #9(A): No Action Taken A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: _______________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Mayor’s Appointment) Term Expired: March 24, 2025 Terms are two years. Meet as needed. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 0 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 10. COUNCIL’S CONFIRMATION - RECOMMENDATION FROM ORGANIZATIONS / AGENCIES: Clerk of Council’s Agenda ADD-ON #10(A): Clerk of Council McLemore announced the following nominations to the Uptown Façade Board: The Uptown Business Improvement District has recommended Fredrick Hill to succeed James Lewis and Ginger Surprise to succeed Hannah Israel; Vote Result: CONFIRMED A. 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 *Fredrick Hill is being recommended by the Uptown Business Improvement District. Hannah Israel Open for Nominations (Uptown Business Improvement Dist. Rep) (Council’s Appointment) Not Eligible to succeed Term Expires: October 31, 2024 *Ginger Surprise is being recommended by the Uptown Business Improvement District. Page 11 of 13  The terms are three years. Board meets monthly. Women: 5 Senatorial District 15: 4 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 11. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS – ANY NOMINATIONS WOULD BE LISTED FOR THE NEXT MEETING: Clerk of Council’s Agenda ADD-ON #10(A): Clerk of Council McLemore announced Councilor Huff is nominating Anthony Johnson to fill a vacant seat on the Building Authority of Columbus. A. BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS: _______________ Open for Nominations Vacant (Council’s Appointment) Term Expires: March 24, 2027 *Seat previously held by Johnny W. Byrd, II, who recently passed. Terms are two years. Meet as needed. Women: 1 Senatorial District 15: 0 Senatorial District 29: 3 Vacancies: 2 PUBLIC AGENDA (continued) 4. Ms. Theresa El-Amin, representing: Southern Anti-Racism Network, Re: National Night Out, Paws Humane, and Underfunded Pension Plans. No Action Taken 5. Ms. Audrey Holston Palmore, Re: Property Located at 2928 10th Street. No Action Taken Page 12 of 13 With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor Henderson entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion by Councilor Tucker to adjourn the July 22, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Councilor Hickey and carried unanimously by the nine members present, with Councilor Garrett being absent from the meeting, and the time being 10:54 p.m. Page 13 of 13